cloviderm ointment

4.5 (13 reviews)

Acyclovir (5% w/w)

🏭 Novartis India Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Aug 22, 2026

📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available

Medically Reviewed

SaathiMed Expert Panel | Aug 22, 2026

What is cloviderm ointment used for?

Acivir Cream (Acyclovir) is used to treat DERMA. It contains Acyclovir (5% w/w), which Inhibits viral DNA synthesis by competing with deoxyguanosine triphosphate for v. Always consult your doctor before use. Take as prescribed.

Generic Name: Acyclovir
Manufacturer: Novartis India Ltd
Form: Allopathy
Pregnancy Category: A
Prescription Required: Yes

💡 Did You Know? The first generic medicine was introduced in India in 1970 after the Patents Act was amended.

💊 cloviderm ointment Uses & Benefits

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections: cold sores (herpes labialis), genital herpes; herpes zoster (shingles) - topical use for cutaneous lesions.

Off-label uses: Eczema herpeticum, Herpetic whitlow, Prevention of HSV recurrence in immunocompromised patients (topical)

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)	Acyclovir
Brand Name	Acivir Cream
Manufacturer	Novartis India Ltd
Packaging / Form	Varies by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic Class	DERMA
Action Class	Antiviral (Non-HIV) drugs
Route of Administration	Topical.
Storage	Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F); protect from moisture.
Shelf Life	As per manufacturer

🔬 Pharmacology (PK/PD)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionMinimal systemic absorption after topical application; approximately 0.1% of dose absorbed through intact skin.

DistributionDistributes widely into tissues and body fluids; crosses placenta and appears in breast milk.

Protein Binding9-33%

MetabolismHepatic; minor metabolism via aldehyde oxidase and alcohol dehydrogenase.

Half-Life2.5-3.3 hours (normal renal function); up to 20 hours in end-stage renal disease.

ExcretionRenal (primarily as unchanged drug via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion).

BioavailabilityTopical: negligible systemic bioavailability.

Onset of ActionRapid; symptomatic relief within 24-48 hours.

Peak Plasma TimeNot applicable for topical use; systemic levels negligible.

Duration of ActionVariable; typically 4-6 hours after application.

How It Works

Inhibits viral DNA synthesis by competing with deoxyguanosine triphosphate for viral DNA polymerase and incorporating into viral DNA, causing chain termination.

Mechanism Steps

1Acyclovir is selectively phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase to acyclovir monophosphate.

2Cellular kinases convert acyclovir monophosphate to acyclovir triphosphate (active form).

3Acyclovir triphosphate competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase.

💡 How to Take cloviderm ointment

Follow your doctor's prescription exactly.

⚠️ Side Effects of cloviderm ointment

✅ Common Side Effects

Burning or stinging at application site
Dry skin
Pruritus
Erythema

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Angioedema
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare)
Acute renal failure (systemic)

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Contact dermatitis
Urticaria
Localized edema

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

⚠️ Drug	Severity	Effect
Probenecid	Major	Decreased renal clearance of acyclovir, increased toxicity risk.
Cimetidine	Major	Increased acyclovir AUC and half-life.
Mycophenolate mofetil	Major	Increased plasma concentrations of both drugs.
Interferon	Moderate	Synergistic antiviral effect; monitor for toxicity.
Zidovudine	Moderate	Increased risk of neurotoxicity.
Tacrolimus	Moderate	Increased nephrotoxicity risk.
Valproic acid	Minor	Possible decreased acyclovir efficacy.
Phenytoin	Minor	Decreased phenytoin levels reported.

🚨 Major Interactions

Probenecid
Cimetidine
Mycophenolate mofetil

⚡ Moderate Interactions

Interferon
Zidovudine
Tacrolimus

ℹ️ Minor Interactions

Valproic acid
Phenytoin

🍽️ Food Interactions

No significant food interactions.

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

No known interaction.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir.

📊 Monitoring Parameters

Lesion healing, pain relief; renal function if prolonged systemic use.

🤱 Lactation Safety

Caution; excreted in breast milk but unlikely to cause adverse effects in infant.

💊 Overdose Management

Topical overdose unlikely; accidental ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, headache; supportive care.

⏰ Missed Dose

Apply as soon as remembered; if near next dose, skip missed dose and resume regular schedule.

👨‍⚕️ Reviewed by Expert

SaathiMed Expert Panel

MD, PhD - Pharmacology

Last reviewed on: Aug 22, 2026

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🔄 Substitutes for cloviderm ointment

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient (Acyclovir (5% w/w)):

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

⭐ User Reviews

Certified Buyer Jul 10, 2026

This medicine was effective for me. I followed the doctor's advice.

Verified User Jul 10, 2026

Effective and reliable. Worked as expected.