The difference between ribavirin and acyclovir lies in the different drug components, indications, contraindications and adverse reactions. 1. Different drug ingredients: the main ingredient of ribavirin is ribavirin, while the main ingredient of acyclovir is acyclovir, which are two different drugs. 2. The indications are different: ribavirin is mainly used for the treatment of cutaneous herpes virus infections and viral bronchitis and pneumonia caused by respiratory and cytotoxic viruses. Acyclovir can be used to treat recurrent herpes simplex virus infections and genital herpes virus infections. 3. Contraindications and adverse reactions are different: ribavirin is contraindicated in pregnant women, allergy, cardiac disease, autoimmune liver disease patients, etc. Adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, psychoneurological and respiratory system may occur after the use of the drug. Acyclovir is contraindicated in pregnant women and those who are allergic to the product, and may cause allergic reactions, digestive reactions, neurological reactions, and some local reactions after use. Although ribavirin and acyclovir are both antiviral drugs, they should be used under a doctor’s supervision, and should not be used arbitrarily.