Medicines labeled for the same conditions
Alternatives to acyclovir and hydrocortisone
3 other medicines are given the same way (topical) and in the same FDA class as acyclovir and hydrocortisone or labeled mainly for the same use (herpes and shingles); 2 are in its class, herpes zoster virus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitors: penciclovir and dexamethasone (FDA labels read October 8, 2026). In the same class, the lowest pharmacy cost is $52.15 per gram (Penciclovir 1% cream) (what pharmacies paid in the NADAC survey; strengths differ).
Which medicines are labeled for the same conditions as acyclovir and hydrocortisone?
Herpes and shingles lists all 15 medicines labeled for it, by any route. Each row shows the conditions both labels name. They are listed as public records, not as substitutes: whether one can replace another depends on the person and is a prescriber's decision.
| Medicine and FDA class | Shared indication | Generic labelers (topical) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acyclovir and hydrocortisoneherpes zoster virus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor | this medicine | none listed | n/a | No | No current entry |
| Penciclovirherpesvirus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor · same class | Herpes and shingles | 3 labelers | $52.15 per gram 1% cream | No | No current entry |
| Dexamethasonecorticosteroid · same class | Herpes and shingles | none listed | n/a | No | In shortage |
| Allantoin | Herpes and shingles | none listed | n/a | No | No current entry |
Source: FDA drug labels (indications) via openFDA; FDA NDC Directory; CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay for each?
The headline NADAC price per unit of each medicine's most widely listed form; strengths differ, so compare like with like on each record.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price
What next?
- Acyclovir and hydrocortisone: the full record
- label, generics, price, shortages, recalls