acyclovir in pregnancy

Last reviewed 01/2018

• accumulated evidence for the safety of oral acyclovir and valacyclovir does not demonstrate an increase in the rate of major birth defects when compared with the general population or an unexposed group
  
  
• topical antiviral preparations of acyclovir and penciclovir resulted in no increased rate of major birth defects during pregnancy
  
  
• evidence suggests it is reasonable to offer pregnant patients either acyclovir or valacyclovir for treatment of primary or recurrent genital HSV infection, which not only treats the mother's condition, but also reduces the likelihood of transmission to the neonate, without unduly compromising fetal safety.

Reference:

• Kang SH et al. Safety of antiviral medication for the treatment of herpes during pregnancy.Can Fam Physician. 2011 Apr;57(4):427-8