Acyclovir Cream
FDA Label NDC 62332-423

Acyclovir cream is a herpes simplex virus (HSV) deoxynucleoside analogue DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.

Acyclovir cream should be applied 5 times per day for 4 days. Therapy should be initiated as early as possible following the onset of signs or symptoms of herpes labialis, i.e. during the prodrome or when lesions appear.

For adolescents 12 years of age and older, the dosage is the same as in adults.

Each gram of acyclovir cream contains 50 mg (equivalent to 5% w/w) of acyclovir.

Acyclovir cream is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any component of the formulation.

Acyclovir cream should only be applied on the affected external aspects of the lips and face in patients with herpes labialis. Because no data are available, application to human mucous membranes is not recommended. Acyclovir cream is intended for cutaneous use only and should not be used in the eye or inside the mouth or nose.

Acyclovir cream has a potential for irritation and contact sensitization [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

The effect of acyclovir cream has not been established in immunocompromised patients.

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug, and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

In five double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, 1124 patients were treated with acyclovir cream and 1161 with placebo (vehicle) cream. Local application site reactions were reported by 5% of patients receiving acyclovir cream and 4% of patients receiving placebo. The most common adverse reactions at the site of topical application were dry lips, desquamation, dryness of skin, cracked lips, burning skin, pruritus, flakiness of skin, and stinging on skin; each adverse reaction occurred in less than 1% of patients receiving acyclovir cream and placebo. Three patients on acyclovir cream and one patient on placebo discontinued treatment due to an adverse event.

An additional study, enrolling 22 healthy adults, was conducted to evaluate the dermal tolerance of acyclovir cream compared with vehicle using single occluded and semi-occluded patch testing methodology. Both acyclovir cream and placebo showed a high and cumulative irritation potential. Another study, enrolling 251 healthy adults, was conducted to evaluate the contact sensitization potential of acyclovir cream using repeat insult patch testing methodology. Of 202 evaluable subjects, possible cutaneous sensitization reactions were observed in the same 4 (2%) subjects with both acyclovir cream and placebo, and these reactions to both acyclovir cream and placebo were confirmed in 3 subjects upon rechallenge. The sensitizing ingredient(s) has not been identified.

The safety profile in patients 12 to 17 years of age was similar to that observed in adults.

In addition to adverse events reported from clinical trials, the following events have been identified during postapproval use of acyclovir cream. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to a combination of their seriousness, frequency of reporting, or potential causal connection to acyclovir cream.

General: Angioedema, anaphylaxis.

Skin: Contact dermatitis, eczema.

Clinical experience has identified no interactions resulting from topical or systemic administration of other drugs concomitantly with acyclovir cream. Due to minimal systemic absorption of acyclovir cream, systemic drug interactions are unlikely.

Risk Summary

Acyclovir is minimally absorbed systemically following topical route of administration, and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the acyclovir cream [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Experience with topical acyclovir use in pregnant women over several decades, based on published literature including observational studies, has not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies with systemic exposure of acyclovir have been conducted. Refer to acyclovir prescribing information for additional details.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Risk Summary

Acyclovir is minimally absorbed systemically following topical route of administration, and breastfeeding is not expected to result in exposure of the child to acyclovir cream [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. There are no data on the effects of acyclovir cream on the breastfed infant or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for acyclovir cream and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from acyclovir cream or from the underlying maternal condition.

An open-label, uncontrolled trial with acyclovir cream was conducted in 113 patients aged 12 to 17 years with recurrent herpes labialis. In this trial, therapy was applied using the same dosing regimen as in adults and subjects were followed for adverse events. The safety profile was similar to that observed in adults. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age have not been established.

Clinical studies of acyclovir cream did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. Systemic absorption of acyclovir after topical administration is minimal [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Overdosage by topical application of acyclovir cream is unlikely because of minimal systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. There is no information available for overdose.

Acyclovir cream is the proposed generic name for acyclovir, a synthetic deoxynucleoside analogue active against herpes viruses. Acyclovir cream, 5% is a formulation for topical administration.

The chemical name of acyclovir is 2-amino-1,9-dihydro-9-[(2-hydroxyethoxy) methyl]-6H-purin-6-one; it has the following structural formula:

Image (B081861e B953 460e B677 B62eb9fe121b 01)

Acyclovir is a white, crystalline powder with the molecular formula C₈H₁₁N₅O₃ and a molecular weight of 225. The maximum solubility in water at 37°C is 2.5 mg/mL. The pKa's of acyclovir are 2.27 and 9.25.

Each gram of acyclovir cream contains 50 mg (equivalent to 5% w/w) of acyclovir and the following inactive ingredients: cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, poloxamer 407, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, water and white petrolatum.

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug active against α-herpes viruses [see Microbiology (12.4)].

A clinical pharmacology study was performed with acyclovir cream in adult volunteers to evaluate the percutaneous absorption of acyclovir. In this study, which included 6 male volunteers, the cream was applied to an area of 710 cm² on the backs of the volunteers 5 times daily at intervals of 2 hours for a total of 4 days. The weight of cream applied and urinary excretion of acyclovir were measured daily. Plasma concentration of acyclovir was assayed 1 hour after the final application. The average daily urinary excretion of acyclovir was approximately 0.04% of the daily applied dose. Plasma acyclovir concentrations were below the limit of detection (0.01 μM) in 5 subjects and barely detectable (0.014 μM) in 1 subject. Systemic absorption of acyclovir from acyclovir cream is minimal in adults.

The systemic absorption of acyclovir following topical application of cream has not been evaluated in patients <18 years of age.

Mechanism of Action: Acyclovir is a synthetic purine deoxynucleoside analogue with cell culture and in vivo inhibitory activity against HSV types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) DNA polymerases. It inhibits HSV-1 and HSV-2 replication in cell culture and in vivo.

The inhibitory activity of acyclovir is selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) encoded by HSV. This viral enzyme converts acyclovir into acyclovir monophosphate, a deoxynucleotide analogue. The monophosphate is further converted into diphosphate by cellular guanylate kinase and into triphosphate by a number of cellular enzymes. In biochemical assays, acyclovir triphosphate inhibits replication of α-herpes viral DNA. This inhibition is accomplished in 3 ways: 1) competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase, 2) incorporation into and termination of the growing viral DNA chain, and 3) inactivation of the viral DNA polymerase.

Antiviral Activity

The quantitative relationship between the susceptibility of herpes viruses to antivirals in cell culture and the clinical response to therapy has not been established in humans, and virus sensitivity testing has not been standardized. Sensitivity testing results, expressed as the concentration of drug required to inhibit by 50% the growth of virus in cell culture (EC₅₀ value), vary greatly depending upon a number of factors. Using plaque-reduction assays on Vero cells, the EC₅₀ values of acyclovir against herpes simplex virus isolates range from 0.09 to 59.9 μM (0.02 to 13.5 mcg/mL) for HSV-1 and from 0.04 to 44.0 μM (0.01 to 9.9 mcg/mL) for HSV-2.

Resistance

In Cell Culture

Acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains were isolated in cell culture. Acyclovir-resistant HSV resulted from mutations in the viral thymidine kinase (TK; pUL23) and DNA polymerase (POL; pUL30) genes. Frameshifts were commonly isolated and result in premature truncation of the HSV TK product with consequent decreased susceptibility to acyclovir. Mutations in the viral TK gene may lead to complete loss of TK activity (TK negative), reduced levels of TK activity (TK partial), or alteration in the ability of viral TK to phosphorylate the drug without an equivalent loss in the ability to phosphorylate thymidine (TK altered). In cell culture the following resistance-associated substitutions in TK of HSV-1 and HSV-2 were observed (Table 1).

In HSV-Infected Patients

Clinical HSV-1 and HSV-2 isolates obtained from patients who failed treatment for their α-herpesvirus infections were evaluated for genotypic changes in the TK and POL genes and for phenotypic resistance to acyclovir (Table 2). HSV isolates with frameshift mutations and resistance-associated substitutions in TK and POL were identified. The listing of substitutions in HSV TK and POL leading to decreased susceptibility to acyclovir is not all inclusive and additional changes will likely be identified in HSV variants isolated from patients who fail acyclovir-containing regimens. The possibility of viral resistance to acyclovir should be considered in patients who fail to respond or experience recurrent viral shedding during therapy.

Note: Additional substitutions to acyclovir resistance may exist.

Cross-resistance

Cross-resistance has been observed among HSV isolates carrying frameshift mutations and resistance-associated substitutions, which confer reduced susceptibility to penciclovir (PCV), famciclovir (FCV), and foscarnet (FOS) [Table 3].

Systemic exposure following topical administration of acyclovir is minimal. Dermal carcinogenicity studies were not conducted. Results from the studies of carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and fertility are not included in the full prescribing information for acyclovir cream due to the minimal exposures of acyclovir that result from dermal application. Information on these studies is available in the full prescribing information for acyclovir capsules, tablets, and suspension and acyclovir for injection.

Acyclovir cream was evaluated in two double-blind, randomized, placebo (vehicle)-controlled trials for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis. The average patient had five episodes of herpes labialis in the previous 12 months. In the first trial, the median age of subjects was 37 years (range 18 to 81 years), 74% were female, and 94% were Caucasian. In the second trial, median age of subjects was 38 years (range 18 to 87 years), 73% were female, and 94% were Caucasian. Subjects were instructed to initiate treatment within 1 hour of noticing signs or symptoms and continue treatment for 4 days, with application of study medication 5 times per day. In both studies, the mean duration of the recurrent herpes labialis episode was approximately one-half day shorter in the subjects treated with acyclovir cream (n = 682) compared with subjects treated with placebo (n = 703) for approximately 4.5 days versus 5 days, respectively. No significant difference was observed between subjects receiving acyclovir cream or placebo in the prevention of progression of cold sore lesions.

An open-label, uncontrolled trial with acyclovir cream was conducted in 113 patients aged 12 to 17 years with recurrent herpes labialis. In this trial, therapy was applied using the same dosing regimen as in adults and subjects were followed for adverse events. The safety profile was similar to that observed in adults.

Each gram of acyclovir cream contains 50 mg (equivalent to 5% w/w) of acyclovir in an aqueous cream base. Acyclovir cream is supplied as follows:

NDC 62332-423-05: 5 g tubes

Store at or below 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).

General

Patients should be informed that acyclovir cream is a prescription topical cream for the treatment of cold sores (recurrent herpes labialis) that occur on the face and lips. Acyclovir cream is not a cure for cold sores. Patients should be instructed that acyclovir cream is intended for cutaneous use only for herpes labialis of the lips and around the mouth. Patients should be advised that acyclovir cream should not be used in the eye, inside the mouth or nose, or on the genitals. Patients should be instructed to avoid applying other topical products to the affected area while using acyclovir cream.

Do not use if you are allergic to acyclovir cream or any of the ingredients in acyclovir cream. Before you use acyclovir cream, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Instructions for Use

Treatment should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of recurrence. Instruct patients to wash hands prior to application and ensure the face and/or lips are clean and dry. Advise patients to apply acyclovir cream topically 5 times per day for 4 days. Instruct patients to topically apply a quantity of acyclovir cream sufficient to cover the affected area, including the outer margin. Advise patients to avoid unnecessary rubbing of the affected area to avoid aggravating or transferring the infection. Instruct patients to wash their hands with soap and water after using acyclovir cream. Keep out of reach of children.

Possible Side Effects

Common skin-related side effects that occurred when acyclovir cream was applied include application site reactions. Acyclovir cream has the potential for irritation and contact sensitization.

Manufactured for:

Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Bedminster, NJ 07921, USA

Manufactured by:

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited

(Derma Division),

Karakhadi, Vadodara 391450, India.

Mfg. License No.: G/25/2216

Manufactured by:

Encube Ethicals Pvt. Ltd., 

Madkaim, Ponda, Goa, India – 403404

Mfg. License No: 361

This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.     Revised: 11/2023

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5g Tube Carton

ACYCLOVIR CREAM 5%

NDC 62332-423-05

Net Wt. 5 g

Each gram contains:

50 mg acyclovir, cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, poloxamer 407, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, water and white petrolatum.

USE ONLY FOR COLD SORES.

FOR CUTANEOUS USE ONLY.

Rx only

Tube (B081861e B953 460e B677 B62eb9fe121b 02)

Carton (B081861e B953 460e B677 B62eb9fe121b 03)