FDA pharmacologic class
Herpes Simplex Virus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
3 medicines are in FDA's class of herpes simplex virus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitors: acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir; 1 combination product also contains one. 3 of the 4 are listed from generic labelers (FDA NDC Directory, October 8, 2026). The lowest pharmacy cost is acyclovir 400 mg tablet at $0.0962 per tablet (NADAC).
Which medicines are herpes simplex virus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor?
| Medicine | Brand names | Generic labelers (all forms) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage | Recalls since 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acyclovir | Zovirax, Avaclyr | 66 labelers | $0.0962 per tablet 400 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 12 |
| Valacyclovir | Valtrex | 40 labelers | $0.229 per tablet 500 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 4 |
| Famciclovir | none listed | 9 labelers | $0.214 per tablet 125 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 3 |
| Acyclovir and hydrocortisone | Xerese | none listed | n/a | No | No current entry | 0 |
Source: FDA Established Pharmacologic Class (NDC Directory, openFDA); CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA shortages and recalls (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay?
Each medicine's most widely listed form, per unit, in the NADAC survey: what pharmacies paid, not what a patient pays; strengths differ, so compare like with like.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price