Alternatives to acyclovir
3 same-class SPL records vs acyclovir - uses, FAERS reaction fields, and OTC/Rx flags from public FDA sources.
Brand: Zovirax
How to read a high-report FAERS peer set
acyclovir ranks in the upper FAERS-volume third of the corpus (#70 of 524); 3 same-class peers are listed for field comparison only. Labeled indication field for acyclovir: Acyclovir is used to treat shingles, which is caused by herpes zoster.
Top FAERS reaction fields for acyclovir total 48,724 reports across 10 reactions, set beside famciclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir. Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not per-patient risk.
About acyclovir
Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat infections caused by certain viruses.
Used for: Acyclovir is used to treat shingles, which is caused by herpes zoster. It also treats genital herpes, both the first time you have it and when it comes back. Acyclovir can also treat chickenpox.
3 Antiviral (Nucleoside Analog) peers (wide set)
famciclovir
RxFamvir
This medicine treats herpes infections. It can treat cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It can also prevent genital herpes outbreaks. This medicine may not work for everyone, including first-time genital herpes, eye shingles, or certain immunocompromised patients.
ganciclovir
RxCytovene
This medicine treats CMV retinitis, an eye infection, in people with weak immune systems, including those with AIDS. It also prevents CMV disease in adults who have had organ transplants and are at risk for CMV.
valganciclovir
RxValcyte
This medicine prevents CMV disease in children after they get a kidney or heart transplant. CMV is a virus that can cause problems in people with weakened immune systems. Valganciclovir helps to stop the virus from growing and causing illness.
acyclovir vs famciclovir & ganciclovir · FAERS reaction fields
FAERS top-reaction field "Fatigue" shows the widest count spread between acyclovir and famciclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir in this extract (7,427-report gap on that field). Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not prevalence rates.
| Side Effect | acyclovir | famciclovir | ganciclovir | valganciclovir |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fatigue | 7,612 | 185 | - | - |
| Diarrhoea | 7,064 | 179 | 434 | 916 |
| Pneumonia | 5,471 | 85 | 411 | 587 |
| Nausea | 5,328 | 145 | - | 501 |
| Pyrexia | 4,719 | 87 | 590 | 939 |
| Death | 4,676 | 86 | - | 754 |
| Rash | 4,121 | 113 | - | - |
| Dyspnoea | 3,452 | 86 | - | - |
"-" means no reports for that reaction. Report counts reflect total FAERS submissions, not prevalence rates.
acyclovir FAERS volume vs class peers
FAERS volume band
acyclovir is FAERS corpus rank #70 of 524 (high volume tercile). Top-reaction field total: 48,724.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does acyclovir sit in FAERS report volume vs Antiviral (Nucleoside Analog) peers? ▼
Registry note: FAERS counts are voluntary reports and do not establish causation or risk rates. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not stop or change your medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Field note for acyclovir: see also the generic vs brand label guide when reading Zovirax SPL strings.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.