This study was aimed to design, formulate and characterize the moisture-activated patches containing acyclovir for antiviral action. Gel intermediates for film-type patches were prepared with mucoadhesive polymer, viscosity builders, enhancers and acyclovir. Patches containing acyclovir were characterized by in vitro measurement of drug release rates through a cellulose barrier membrane, and of drug flux through the hairless mouse skin. Film-type patches obtained were uniform in the thickness and showed a mucoadhesive property when contacted with moisture. The formulation was optimized, which consisted of $Cantrez^{circledR}$ AN-169(2%), $Kollidon^{circledR}$ VA 64(1%), $Natrosol^{circledR}$(1%), hydroxypropyl-$eta$-cyclodextrin(1%) and dimethylsulfoxide(0.5%). Release rates of acyclovir patches increased dose-dependently. The addition of terpenes such as d-limonene or cineole increased release rates of acyclovir, but decreased permeation rates. The permeation rates were enhanced by 2 and 2.5 times by the addition of glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt and sodium glycocholate, respectively, compared with that of no enhancer. These results suggest that it may be feasible to deliver acyclovir through the skin or gingival mucosa from the moisture-activated patches.