Which antiviral is commonly prescribed for the treatment of herpes infections?

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that is specifically used for the treatment of herpes infections, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox and shingles. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting viral DNA synthesis by acting as a chain terminator, which effectively halts the replication of the virus.

This drug is particularly effective in managing outbreaks of genital herpes and can also be used to reduce the severity and duration of sporadic outbreaks and to prevent recurrences. Acyclovir is well-established in clinical practice, and its efficacy and safety profiles have been well-documented over the years, making it a first-line treatment for herpes simplex virus infections.

Other antiviral agents listed have different indications. Oseltamivir is primarily utilized for the treatment and prevention of influenza. Ribavirin is used for specific viral infections, predominantly hepatitis C and certain viral respiratory infections, but it is not effective or indicated for herpes. Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir that converts to acyclovir in the body and is also used for herpes infections, but acyclovir itself remains the original and foundational antiviral for this condition.