Acyclovir Sodium

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Cat Number

API69657518

CAS Number

69657-51-8

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CAS Number

69657-51-8

EINECS

614-996-5

Storage

Room temperature

Synonyms

acycloguanosine sodium

Molecular Formula

C8H10N5NaO3

Molecular Weight

247.19

Smiles

C1=NC2=C(N1COCCO)N=C(N=C2[O-])N.[Na+]

General Description

Acyclovir Sodium is the sodium salt form of acyclovir, a synthetic purine nucleoside analog with potent inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). As a water-soluble salt, it offers advantages in intravenous formulation and provides reliable antiviral coverage for systemic herpesvirus infections.

Mechanism of Action

Acyclovir Sodium is selectively converted by herpesvirus-encoded thymidine kinase (TK) to its monophosphate form, which is further phosphorylated by cellular enzymes to the active triphosphate. The triphosphate competitively inhibits herpesvirus DNA polymerase, acts as a chain terminator by incorporating into viral DNA, and results in the arrest of viral DNA synthesis with minimal effects on uninfected cells.

Application

Acyclovir Sodium is used in the treatment of severe initial and recurrent mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus infections in immunocompromised patients, herpes simplex encephalitis, and varicella-zoster infections including chickenpox and shingles.

Acyclovir (ACV) is a guanine nucleoside analog widely used against herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It inhibits viral DNA synthesis with high selectivity and low cytotoxicity. Various synthesis routes from purine or guanine derivatives have been developed to achieve high yield and cost-effectiveness. Structural modifications, such as valacyclovir (prodrug) and lipophilic derivatives, improve bioavailability, solubility, and transdermal delivery. Analytical methods for ACV quantification include UV/visible spectrophotometry, thin-layer chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with HPLC being preferred for biological matrices due to its sensitivity. Mass spectrometry coupled with HPLC enables detection at low concentrations. These modifications and analytical tools help optimize ACV’s pharmacological profile, reduce side effects, and ensure quality control in pharmaceutical formulations.

Fig. 1 Synthesis, antiviral mechanism, modifications of Acyclovir. (Hassan Abed Z.; et al. 2025)

References

Hassan Abed Z, et al. A comprehensive review of acyclovir: synthesis, antiviral mechanism, modifications, and innovative analytical techniques in pharmaceutical applications. Chemical Review and Letters, 2025, 8(5): 967-980.

Acrylamide-based hydrogels containing MgO nanoparticles and carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) were developed as potential vaginal ring formulations for acyclovir delivery. Maximum drug loading (24.32%) and entrapment efficiency (79.97%) were achieved at pH 7.5. Hydrogels with 6.4% w/w acyclovir showed the highest hardness. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed increased permeability and uniform drug distribution after loading. The point of zero charge (pH PZC) shifted from 4.5 to 4.7 upon drug loading. The hydrogels are designed for sustained release in vaginal rings to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections, offering improved retention and protection of acyclovir.

Fig. 2 FESEM imaging of powderized hydrogel with Acyclovir loaded. (Sabbagh F.; et al. 2018)

References

Sabbagh F, et al. Investigation of acyclovir-loaded, acrylamide-based hydrogels for potential use as vaginal ring. Materials Today Communications, 2018, 16: 274-280.

What is the recommended storage condition for Acyclovir Sodium?

It should be stored at controlled room temperature in a well-sealed container, protected from moisture and direct light, to maintain its chemical integrity throughout the shelf life.

What documentation is provided with each batch of Acyclovir Sodium?

Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) covering identity, potency, and relevant purity tests. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available upon request.

What quantities of Acyclovir Sodium are available for order?

We accommodate orders of varying scale, from small research quantities through bulk commercial supply. Contact our sales team to discuss pack sizes and volume pricing.

What therapeutic category does Acyclovir Sodium belong to?

It belongs to the antiviral class of pharmaceutical actives, used in the treatment of viral infections. It is supplied as a pharmaceutical-grade raw material for formulation purposes.