It is a synthetic nucleoside that have potent antiviral activity against most herpes viruses and is particularly effective against the herpes simplex virus.

Mechanism of action:  It is transformed by viral enzyme into triphosphate derivative, which inhibits DNA polymerase necessary for DNA viral replication. This drug shows selective activity against virus only.

Therapeutic uses:Z

  • For treatment of genital herpes.
  • Treatment of herpes keratoconjunctivitis.
  • herps simplex encephalitis.
  • herpes zoster.