Purine/Pyrimidine Analogs for Herpes

Medications in this section are used to treat herpes family viruses.  These medications are purine or pyrimidine analogs and work by incorporating  into viral DNA and inhibiting DNA replication.  

Class Drugs

• Acyclovir

• Ganciclovir

• Famciclovir

• Cidofovir

• Trifluridine

• Valacyclovir

Class Mechanism of Action

Incorporates or inhibits viral DNA synthesis or replication

Class Applications

Herpes viruses

See individual drugs

Class Adverse Effects

See individual drugs

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Acyclovir	HSV-1 and HSV-2; VZV; EBV		"Cycle" "Ear"
Ganciclovir	CMV Retinitis; CMV Prophylaxis		"Gang" "Cycle" "Ear"
Famciclovir	HSV-1 and HSV-2; VZV		"Family" "Cycle" "Ear"
Cidofovir	CMV Retinitis in AIDS	Adverse Effects; Renal toxicity; Neutropenia	"Cider" "Ear"
Trifluridine	HSV keratoconjunctivitis; Topical eye use only		"Truffle" "Riding Horse"
Valacyclovir	HSV-1 and HSV-2; VZV		"Valet" "Cycle" "Ear"