aciclovir · Medicine question

How does aciclovir inhibit herpes virus replication?

iatroX medicinesPublished 8 November 2026

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Viral thymidine kinase converts aciclovir to its monophosphate, which cellular enzymes convert to aciclovir triphosphate; this interferes with viral DNA polymerase and terminates DNA chains after incorporation into viral DNA, inhibiting replication.

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Zovirax SuspensionGlaxoSmithKline UK · emc · SmPC §5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties · Version 28Document updated 24 November 2025

Sources checked 8 November 2026

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