ABSTRACT
Fourteen patients suspected to be allergic to acyclovir cream were reported from Spain. Patch tests were positive to commercial acyclovir cream, acyclovir ophthalmic ointment, and acyclovir tablet, probably 100% and crushed. Patch tests were positive to acyclovir cream and ophthalmic ointment, to acyclovir 1%, 3% and 5% pet. A 29-year-old woman presented with labial eczema after application of 5% acyclovir cream, then with edematous eczema of the upper eyelid following the application of acyclovir ophthalmic ointment. A 44-year-old woman used acyclovir cream for 2 weeks on her first attack of genital herpes without any improvement. Cutaneous adverse drug reactions from systemic administration of acyclovir caused by type IV (delayed-type) hypersensitivity, including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis and fixed drug eruption, are planned to be discussed in Volume IV of the Monographs in Contact Allergy series on Systemic drugs. A patient with suspected photosensitivity to acyclovir cream had a positive photopatch test to the cream, but to any of its ingredients.
