acyclovir + prednisolone

Acyclovir + prednisolone is a combination therapy consisting of acyclovir, an antiviral nucleoside analog, and prednisolone, a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid. Acyclovir inhibits viral DNA polymerase, thereby blocking replication of herpesviruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Prednisolone acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor and modulating gene expression to reduce inflammation. This combination is used in clinical practice for conditions where both viral infection and inflammation are present or suspected contributors to disease pathology. Notably, it has been studied for the treatment of Bell’s palsy (presumed HSV involvement), herpes zoster (shingles), and acute infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein-Barr virus. The rationale for combining these agents is that acyclovir targets the underlying viral infection while prednisolone reduces associated inflammation.