Acyclovir vs Cephalexin

## Acyclovir vs Cephalexin: Overview

This comparison examines the pharmacological differences between **Acyclovir** and **Cephalexin**.

## Mechanism of Action

**Acyclovir**: Guanosine analogue inhibiting viral DNA polymerase.

**Cephalexin**: First-generation cephalosporin inhibiting cell wall synthesis.

## Pharmacokinetics

**Half-life**: Acyclovir — 2.5-3.3 hours; Cephalexin — 0.5-1.2 hours.

## Chemical Properties

**Molecular Formula**: Acyclovir — C8H11N5O3; Cephalexin — C16H17N3O4S.

**Molecular Weight**: Acyclovir — 225.2050 g/mol; Cephalexin — 347.3890 g/mol.

**Type**: Acyclovir — Small molecule; Cephalexin — Small molecule.