aciclovir + hydrocortisone

Aciclovir Duo is a topical fixed-dose combination cream containing the antiviral agent aciclovir (5%) and the mild corticosteroid hydrocortisone (1%). Developed as a generic alternative to Zovirax Duo, it is manufactured by the Moldovan pharmaceutical company Farmaprim. The combination is indicated for the early treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older to reduce the progression of cold sore episodes to ulcerative lesions and shorten healing times. Aciclovir acts by selectively inhibiting viral DNA polymerase and terminating viral DNA chain synthesis, while hydrocortisone reduces the localized inflammatory response by agonizing the glucocorticoid receptor, thereby preventing the progression of cold sores to ulcerative lesions.

Brand names

Aciclovir DuoXereseZovirax Duo

Other names

aciclovir/hydrocortisoneacyclovir + hydrocortisoneacyclovir/hydrocortisone