XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) contains acyclovir, a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpes viruses, and hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, combined in a cream for topical administration. Each gram of XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) contains 5% (w/w) of acyclovir, 1% (w/w) of hydrocortisone and the following inactive ingredients: cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, Poloxamer 188, propylene glycol, isopropyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulfate, white petrolatum, citric acid, sodium hydroxide and water. Sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust the pH to approximately pH 5.

Acyclovir, 2-amino-1,9-dihydro-9-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-6H-purin- 6-one, is a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpes viruses. The maximum solubility of acyclovir in water at 37°C is 2.5 mg/mL. The pKa's of acyclovir are 2.27 and 9.25. Its empirical formula is C₈H₁₁N₅O₃. The structural formula is provided in Figure 1:

Figure 1: Structural Formula of Acyclovir

Hydrocortisone, pregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione, 11, 17, 21-trihydroxy-(11(beta))-, is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. Its empirical formula is C₂₁H₃₀O₅. The structural formula is provided in Figure 2:

Figure 2: Structural Formula of Hydrocortisone

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/15/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.