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Prescription requiredCipla LimitedAntiviral

Acivir Cream

Acyclovir 5% w/w cream

₹174MRP ₹1835% offIn stock
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Delivered across India in about 3–5 days, Chennai next day. ₹49 delivery, free above ₹999.

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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 September 2026

Licensed pharmacyPharmacist-verified orderDelivered across India

Key details

Salt: Acyclovir 5% w/w cream
Available variants: cream 5%w/w 10GM
Best price: ₹174 (₹17.36 per g)
MRP: ₹183
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.

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Acivir Cream

cream - 5%w/w - 10 g

₹174

₹17.36 per g

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

Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next application, skip the missed one — applying extra does not make up for it.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause confusion, kidney injury and fits. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

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).
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor before using this while breastfeeding.
AlcoholNo known interaction
DrivingMay cause drowsiness or affect your concentration. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
KidneyConsult your doctor if you have kidney disease.
LiverConsult your doctor if you have liver disease.
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.

Do not take Acivir if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack.

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.

Expert advice for Acivir Cream

Start as early as your doctor advises. Keep well hydrated through the course.

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
Zoster Ointment 5 g5GM₹5071% cheaper
Herperax OintmentMICRO LABSointment · 15GM₹1693% cheaper
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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?
Apply it as soon as you remember.
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?
Zoster Ointment 5 g has the same active ingredient and strength and is listed from ₹50 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 ₹174 (MRP ₹183) on PingMeDoc Pharmacy. Available in cream 5%w/w 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
₹174 (₹17.36 per g)
MRP
₹183
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 5%w/w 10GM
Delivery
Standard across India

References

Compiled from the manufacturer's prescribing information and the sources below, and reviewed by a registered medical practitioner. It does not replace your own doctor's advice.

  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.

Next steps

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.