Which type of medication is Acyclovir?

Acyclovir is classified as an antiviral medication. It is specifically effective against certain viruses, particularly those in the herpes virus family. This includes herpes simplex viruses (HSV) which cause cold sores and genital herpes, as well as varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox and shingles.

The mechanism of action of Acyclovir involves the inhibition of viral DNA synthesis. Once inside the infected cells, it is converted into an active form that interferes with the replication process of the viral DNA, thereby reducing the ability of the virus to multiply and spread. This makes it particularly useful in managing outbreaks of these viral infections and in preventing severe disease in immunocompromised patients.

Other categories like antifungal, antibiotic, and antiparasitic refer to medications targeting fungal infections, bacterial infections, and parasitic infections, respectively, and do not encompass the type of viral infections that Acyclovir is designed to treat.