title: Acyclovir chemistry and spectrum of activity.
abstract: Most antiviral agents with activity against the herpes group of viruses belong to a class of compounds known as nucleosides. Recently, an acyclic analog of a natural nucleoside has been found to have high activity against the herpes virus. This compound, called generically acyclovir, is 9-(hydroxymethyl)guanine. Its spectrum of antiviral activity is described.
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D006147:Guanine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology; D006564:Herpesviridae / Q000187:drug effects; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D006147:Guanine; D000212:Acyclovir