Acyclovir a guanosine analogue antiviral drug which is sold as the brand names Cyclovir, Herpex, Acivir, Acivirax, Zovirax, Aciclovir and Zovir among others. Its primary use is for the treatment of HSV infections known as cold sores as well as shingles and acute chickenpox in immunocompromised patients. The drug can be dispensed as a tablet, topical cream, intravenous injection, and ophthalmic ointment. Creams and ointments are usually reserved for labial sores with few side effects.

Chlorhexidine is a chemical antiseptic which is effective against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. The drug is used in very low concentrations in contact lens solutions, acne washes, surgical scrubs, and as a preservative or treatment for athlete’s foot. Chlorhexidine’s dental application is usually as an active ingredient in mouthwash due to its ability to fight dental plaque, oral bacteria, and halitosis. However, chlorhexidine alone is not enough to fight cavities and is therefore often paired with other ingredients such as fluoride.

Prolonged use can lead to stained teeth, in particular resin restorations, and can temporarily alter taste sensation. Due its neutralization by common toothpaste ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium monofluorophosphate, it is recommended that an interval of one to two hours separate tooth brushing and rinsing with chlorhexidine. Contact with the eyes and nose should be avoided to prevent damage.

Fluconazole commonly sold as Diflucan or Trican, fluconazole is used to treat and prevent fungal infections. One of the uses of fluconazole is to combat the Candida genus of yeasts which are known to cause thrush, or denture stomatitis, even when other drugs have failed. Nursing mothers are recommended to seek alternative treatment due to the fact that fluconazole is secreted in human milk at concentrations similar to plasma. Pregnant women are also advised to be cautious with the drug because in testing several congenital abnormalities manifested if the mother was treated with high doses of the drug for a period longer than three months.

Ketoconazole is sold as the brand name Nizoral, and is another antifungal antibiotic used to treat infections of the mouth, throat, esophagus, lungs, bladder, or skin. Ketoconazole is often used in patients who are immunocompromised, such as those suffering from AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy. Nizoral in particular is available as an anti-dandruff shampoo, a topical cream, and an oral tablet. Absorption is aided in acidic environments, so it is often recommended that ketoconazole be taken with an acidic beverage such as Coca-Cola, and that antacids be avoided during treatment. Ketoconazole can be used to cure athlete’s foot, ringworm, candidiasis, and jock itch. A side-effect of the drug is that it causes a drop in testosterone levels, which makes it useful for treating prostate cancer and preventing erections following penile surgery. Cushing’s disease is also treated due to the depressive effect the drug has on glucocorticoid synthesis. Veterinarians commonly prescribe this medication for pets suffering from fungal infections, and the shampoo has even been shown to be beneficial to men suffering from hair loss.

Valacyclovir is another antiretroviral used to manage the herpes simplex virus and herpes zoster virus (shingles). The brand names of valacyclovir are Valtrex and Zelitrex, with a generic alternative introduced in late 2009. Common side effects are the same as for acyclovir, its active metabolite, and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. More serious side-effects are extremely rare and include coma, seizures, hepatitis, anaphylaxis, and anorexia.