How does Acyclovir work?
Acyclovir’s effect is not on the virus itself but on an enzyme called DNA polymerase present inside the virus cells. Its work is to block this enzyme and thereby stop the virus cells from reproducing and spreading. As this action is safe for the human body, the FDA has granted approval to Acyclovir as a treatment for herpes infections. However, as most FAQs and news forums on Acyclovir will clarify, the medication can only stop the virus from multiplying. It cannot destroy the virus; that task is to be handled by the immune system.
Generic acyclovir or the FDA approved Valtrex or Zovirax all have the same effect and work in the same manner. Soon as acyclovir comes into contact with herpes virus cells, it gets converted into an activated version that starts blocking an enzyme called DNA polymerase. When this enzyme gets blocked, the viruses are unable to reproduce and their survival becomes shaky. Once that happens, the body’s immune system is easily able to root out the virus, leading to treatment of the infection.
