acyclovir
C2 / Specialized Medical / Low-frequencyFormal, Medical, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A synthetic antiviral drug used primarily to treat herpes simplex virus infections and herpes zoster (shingles).
A nucleoside analogue that inhibits viral DNA replication, belonging to a class of medications known as antivirals. It is used both for treatment and suppression of recurrent outbreaks.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to a chemical compound and its pharmaceutical preparation. The name is derived from its chemical structure (acyclic guanosine analogue). Not used in metaphorical or non-medical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Spelling is consistent. The drug is known under the brand name Zovirax in both markets.
Connotations
Purely technical/medical in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside medical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The patient was prescribed [acyclovir] for shingles.The infection responded well to [acyclovir].[Acyclovir] is administered orally or intravenously.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
Used in pharmacology, virology, and medical literature to discuss antiviral mechanisms, efficacy studies, and resistance patterns.
Everyday
Rarely used in everyday conversation unless discussing a specific medical prescription or condition.
Technical
Precise term in clinical medicine, pharmacy, and pharmaceutical chemistry. Appears in treatment guidelines, drug formularies, and patient notes.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor gave me a cream for the cold sore.
- For recurrent herpes, a daily preventative dose of acyclovir may be recommended.
- The study compared the bioavailability of oral acyclovir with its prodrug, valacyclovir.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A-cycle-of-vir(us)' – it stops the cycle of viral replication.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'антибиотик' (antibiotic). Acyclovir is an 'противовирусный препарат' (antiviral drug).
- The stress in Russian ('ациклови́р') differs from English patterns.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'acyclover', 'acyclivor'.
- Mispronouncing the 'vir' as /vaɪr/ instead of /vɪr/.
- Using it as a general term for any antiviral.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary clinical use of acyclovir?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an antiviral drug. Antibiotics work against bacteria, while acyclovir works against specific viruses.
No, it cannot cure herpes simplex virus infections. It suppresses viral replication, reduces the severity and duration of outbreaks, and can prevent recurrences, but the virus remains dormant in the body.
Common side effects can include nausea, headache, diarrhea, and rash. Intravenous administration may sometimes affect kidney function.
Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir. It is converted into acyclovir in the body and has better oral absorption, allowing for less frequent dosing.