Skip to main content
PingMeDoc
Prescription requiredCipla LimitedAntiviral

Acivir Cream

Acyclovir 5% w/w cream

Acivir Cream is used for treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) skin infections such as herpes labialis (cold sores) and genital herpes lesions; helps reduce pain, itching and duration of outbreaks when started early.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Balaji Krishnan, MBBS · Updated August 2026

₹183₹18.27 per g
100% genuine medicinesPharmacist-verified orderDelivered across India

Key details

Salt: Acyclovir 5% w/w cream
Available variants: cream cream 10GM
Best price: ₹183 (₹18.27 per g)
Prescription: Required
Manufacturer: CIPLA LIMITED

Ordering notes

Standard delivery across India. No same-day delivery nationally.
Chennai express delivery is possible and chargeable. Learn more
Returns & refunds: orders can be cancelled before dispatch; after dispatch, returns depend on the item category. Read the full policy

Same salt, lower price

Medicines with the same active ingredient and strength as Acivir Cream.

You are viewing

Acivir Cream

cream - 10 g

₹183

₹18.27 per g

  • Herperax Oint

    MICRO LABS · ointment - 15 g · Rx

    ₹178

    ₹11.87 per g

    Save 35%
Compare all substitutes
Same salt, different brand — what does that mean?

A substitute contains the same active ingredient (salt), in the same strength, as Acivir Cream. The medicine inside is the same — the brand name, manufacturer and price are what differ.

All medicines sold in India, branded or generic, must meet the quality standards set by the national drug regulator (CDSCO). A lower price does not mean lower quality.

Please confirm with your doctor or pharmacist before switching brands — they will check that the strength and form match your prescription.

Composition of Acivir Cream

Acivir Cream contains Acyclovir 5% w/w cream. It belongs to the Antiviral (nucleoside analogue; HSV DNA polymerase inhibitor) class of medicines.

Uses of Acivir Cream

  • Treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) skin infections such as herpes labialis (cold sores) and genital herpes lesions; helps reduce pain
  • itching and duration of outbreaks when started early.

Key benefits

  • Helps heal cold sores and herpes skin lesions faster
  • Reduces pain and itching during outbreaks
  • Limits viral replication when used early
  • Decreases duration of symptoms

How Acivir Cream works

Acyclovir is an antiviral that is converted within virus-infected cells to an active form that inhibits viral DNA polymerase. This stops replication of herpes virus DNA and limits spread of infection, allowing lesions to heal faster.

How to take Acivir Cream

For external use only. Apply a thin layer to the affected area (and surrounding skin) as soon as symptoms start, usually 5 times daily (about every 4 hours while awake) for up to 4–5 days or as advised by a doctor. Wash hands before and after application; do not apply inside eyes, mouth or vagina.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take the missed dose of Acivir as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and carry on with the usual schedule. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much

Taking more Acivir than prescribed can be harmful. If you suspect an overdose, contact a doctor or go to the nearest emergency department at once, and carry the pack or strip with you. In India the emergency number is 112.

Side effects of Acivir Cream

Most side effects of Acivir are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

  • Burning or stinging at application site
  • itching
  • dryness
  • redness
  • mild pain
  • skin peeling
  • rash

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Acivir Cream

PregnancyConsult doctor (topical acyclovir has minimal absorption; generally considered low risk when used as directed).
AlcoholNo known interaction
Habit formingNo

Warnings and precautions

Do not use if allergic to acyclovir/valacyclovir or any ingredient. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes; if accidental contact occurs, rinse with water. Not a cure for herpes and does not prevent transmission—avoid sexual contact during outbreaks and use barrier protection. Seek medical advice if lesions are severe, widespread, recurrent, in immunocompromised patients, or if no improvement after 5 days.

Interactions with other medicines

No significant interactions expected with topical use; inform doctor if using other topical medicines on the same area or if taking systemic antivirals.

How to store Acivir Cream

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from heat and light. Keep cap tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:
CIPLA LIMITED
Therapeutic class:
Antiviral
Drug class:
Antiviral (nucleoside analogue; HSV DNA polymerase inhibitor)

Substitutes for Acivir Cream

Medicines with the same active ingredient (Acyclovir 5% w/w cream). Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching brands.

MedicinePackPricevs Acivir Cream
Herperax OintmentMICRO LABSointment · 15GM₹1783% cheaper
See all substitutes and alternatives

More from Cipla Limited

View categories
8X Cream

8X Cream

Cipla Limited - Cream - 30 G

₹253
8X Kt Shampoo

8X Kt Shampoo

Cipla Limited - Shampoo - 60 ml

₹304
8X Shampoo

8X Shampoo

Cipla Limited - Cream - 120 ml

₹506
8X-Kt Shampoo

8X-Kt Shampoo

Cipla Limited - Shampoo - 100 ml

₹490
Ablung 100MG Cap
Rx

Ablung 100MG Cap

Cipla Limited - Capsule - 100 mg - 10 S

₹117

Prescription required

Ablung N Tab
Rx

Ablung N Tab

Cipla Limited - Tablet - 15 S

₹238

Prescription required

Ablung SR 200MG Tab
Rx

Ablung SR 200MG Tab

Cipla Limited - Tablet - 200 mg - 10 S

₹223

Prescription required

Acivir 200 Dt
Rx

Acivir 200 Dt

Cipla Limited - Tablet - 10 S

₹81

Prescription required

More in Anti-infectives

View categories
Brivazen 75MG Tab
Rx

Brivazen 75MG Tab

Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Tablet - 75 mg - 15 S

₹471

Prescription required

Rx

Edastar 20ML

Lupin Lab - 20 ml - 20 ml

₹1,144

Prescription required

Elidel Cream
Rx

Elidel Cream

Mylan Pharmaceuticals - Cream - 10 G

₹741

Prescription required

Encorate-Chro 200 10S
Rx

Encorate-Chro 200 10S

Sun Pharma - 10 S

₹38

Prescription required

Folitrax 15MG Inj
Rx

Folitrax 15MG Inj

IPCA Laboratories Ltd - Injection - 15 mg - 1 ml

₹94

Prescription required

Free Life K2 Tab
Rx

Free Life K2 Tab

Lifeline Healthcare - Tablet - 10 S

₹225

Prescription required

Gabawin 75 M
Rx

Gabawin 75 M

Icon Pharma - 10 S

₹173

Prescription required

Rx

Glimilan Gm1 Tab

Cleveland Pharmaceuticals - Tablet - 10 S

₹83

Prescription required

Popular on PingMeDoc Pharmacy

View categories

Fepanil Banana Oral Drop

Drop - 15 ml

₹31
Polymol 650 Tablet

Polymol 650 Tablet

Scott Edil Pharmacia Ltd - Tablet - 10 Tablet

₹22
Bestozyme Cap

Bestozyme Cap

Biological E Ltd - Capsule - 15 S

₹65

Tricium Hd Tab

Corona Remedies Pvt Ltd - Tablet - 15 S

₹151

Pacimol Active Tab

IPCA Laboratories Ltd - Tablet - 15 S

₹65
Dispovan Pen Needles 4Mm (32G)

Dispovan Pen Needles 4Mm (32G)

Hindustan Syringes & Medical Devices Ltd - 5 Piece

₹90
Out of stock

Rexidin Plus

Indoco Remedies Ltd - 150 ml

₹169
Absolut 3G

Absolut 3G

Pharmed Ltd - 3 gm - 10 S

₹205

Acivir Cream FAQs

What is Acivir Cream used for?
Acivir Cream is commonly used for Treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) skin infections such as herpes labialis (cold sores) and genital herpes lesions; helps reduce pain, itching and duration of outbreaks when started early. Always follow your doctor's advice, this information is for educational purposes and not a substitute for professional medical guidance.
What is the salt in Acivir Cream?
Acivir Cream contains Acyclovir 5% w/w cream. If you are allergic to any of these active ingredients or excipients, do not take this medicine and speak to your doctor first.
How should I take Acivir Cream?
For external use only. Take it exactly as prescribed; do not change the dose or stop early without talking to your doctor.
How does Acivir Cream work?
Acyclovir is an antiviral that is converted within virus-infected cells to an active form that inhibits viral DNA polymerase.
Is Acivir Cream a prescription medicine?
Yes. Acivir Cream is a prescription-only (Rx) medicine. Upload a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner during checkout. We cannot dispense it without a valid Rx.
What are the common side effects of Acivir Cream?
The side effects reported most often with Acivir are Burning or stinging at application site, itching, dryness, redness, mild pain. Most are mild and settle as the body adjusts; tell your doctor if any of them persist or worry you, and stop the medicine and seek help at once for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing.
Can Acivir Cream be taken during pregnancy?
Consult doctor (topical acyclovir has minimal absorption; generally considered low risk when used as directed). Always tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding before starting Acivir.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Acivir Cream?
No known interaction
What if I miss a dose of Acivir Cream?
Take the missed dose of Acivir as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and carry on with the usual schedule. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Is Acivir Cream habit forming?
No. Acivir Cream is not known to be habit forming when taken as prescribed.
Is there a cheaper substitute for Acivir Cream?
Herperax Ointment has the same active ingredient and strength and is listed from ₹178 on PingMeDoc Pharmacy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching brands, the salt is the same, but excipients and release profiles can differ.
How much does Acivir Cream cost on PingMeDoc Pharmacy?
Acivir Cream starts at ₹183 on PingMeDoc Pharmacy. Available in cream cream 10GM. Final price is confirmed at checkout and may vary by variant and location.
Who manufactures Acivir Cream?
Acivir Cream is manufactured by CIPLA LIMITED. PingMeDoc Pharmacy sources medicines only from licensed manufacturers and distributors.
How is Acivir Cream delivered?
Acivir Cream is delivered across India via our licensed pharmacy partners. Standard delivery timelines are confirmed at checkout. Chennai customers can opt for chargeable same-city express delivery.

Acivir Cream, Quick facts

Salt
Acyclovir 5% w/w cream
Form
cream
Best price
₹183 (₹18.27 per g)
Prescription
Required (Rx)
Schedule
Schedule H
Brand
CIPLA LIMITED
Manufacturer
CIPLA LIMITED
Therapeutic class
Antiviral
Drug class
Antiviral (nucleoside analogue; HSV DNA polymerase inhibitor)
Habit forming
No
Variants
cream cream 10GM
Delivery
Standard across India

References

The information on Acivir Cream is compiled from the manufacturer's prescribing information and the sources below, and is reviewed by a registered medical practitioner. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

  1. Manufacturer labeling/leaflet, established medical literature (antiviral pharmacology), standard drug references
  2. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, approved drug and schedule listings.
  3. National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2022, Government of India.
  4. Manufacturer's package insert / prescribing information for Acivir Cream.
  5. World Health Organization, ATC/DDD classification and Model Formulary for the active ingredient.

More from PingMeDoc™

Safety disclaimer

Product information is for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. Always follow a clinician's guidance and upload a valid prescription when required.