Medicines labeled for the same conditions
Alternatives to penciclovir
3 other medicines are given the same way (topical) and in the same FDA class as penciclovir or labeled mainly for the same use (herpes and shingles); 2 are in its class, herpesvirus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitors: acyclovir and acyclovir and hydrocortisone (FDA labels read October 8, 2026). In the same class, the lowest pharmacy cost is $0.346 per gram (Acyclovir 5% ointment) (what pharmacies paid in the NADAC survey; strengths differ).
Which medicines are labeled for the same conditions as penciclovir?
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penciclovirherpesvirus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor | this medicine | 3 labelers | $52.15 per gram 1% cream | No | No current entry |
| Acyclovirherpes zoster virus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor · same class | Herpes and shingles | 19 labelers | $0.346 per gram 5% ointment | No | No current entry |
| Acyclovir and hydrocortisoneherpes zoster virus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor · same class | Herpes and shingles | none listed | n/a | No | No current entry |
| 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?
- Penciclovir: the full record
- label, generics, price, shortages, recalls