Acyclovir ®
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Reviewed on June 04, 2025. by
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Next review due on
June 04, 2028.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on Jun 03, 2025.

Oral and topical treatment for genital herpes.

Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine used to treat genital herpes. It works by slowing the spread of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can be taken as a tablet or applied as a cream. When taken regularly, Acyclovir can shorten the length of outbreaks and help reduce how often they happen.

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$89.95
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    2-5 day shipping by secure courier

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Acyclovir Aciclovir

What is Acyclovir?

Acyclovir (also known as aciclovir) is an antiviral drug approved for the treatment of genital herpes and other herpes simplex virus infections. It’s often the first-line (favored)treatment for the condition and it’s available as both a tablet and a topical cream. Acyclovir doesn’t cure herpes, but it can make outbreaks shorter, milder, and less likely to come back when used as a daily suppressive therapy.[1]

How does Acyclovir work for genital herpes?

Acyclovir works in the body to block the virus from replicating and spreading. This then stops new sores from forming and helps heal any existing ones more quickly.[1] Acyclovir is active against both HSV-1 and HSV-2, the two types of herpes simplex virus that can cause genital herpes.

Will I get side effects using Acyclovir?

Side effects can happen, but not everyone will get them. They’re usually mild, especially when acyclovir is used short-term. The most common reactions with tablets include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. Cream users might experience temporary stinging, burning, or dryness at the site of application.

What doses of Acyclovir are there?

Acyclovir is available in tablet form, cream, and an intravenous solution. The tablets come in doses of 200mg, 400mg, and 800mg. At Treated, we have the 200mg and 800mg tablets and the 5% cream available.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Taylor, M. and Gerriets, V. (2023). Acyclovir. [online] PubMed.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on June 04, 2025. Next review due on June 04, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Acyclovir Aciclovir

How to take Acyclovir

Always use Acyclovir as prescribed by your clinician. You can take the tablets with or without food. If using the cream, apply it as soon as you notice symptoms of an outbreak.

  • Tablets: Swallow whole with water. Space your doses evenly throughout the day.
  • Cream: Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Wash your hands before and after applying.

What should I do if I take too much Acyclovir?

Taking too much Acyclovir can increase your risk of side effects like nausea, confusion, or kidney problems. If you’ve taken too much, or are experiencing unusual symptoms, contact a doctor straight away.

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on June 04, 2025. Next review due on June 04, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Acyclovir Aciclovir

Acyclovir isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.

Tablets

Cream

Acyclovir Aciclovir

Acyclovir: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How does Acyclovir compare with alternative treatments?

Answer:
Acyclovir is similar to another tablet treatment called Valacyclovir (brand name Valtrex). It's what's known as a "prodrug" of acyclovir, which means it's converted into acyclovir in the body.
Docosanol is a topical treatment, but evidence suggests it's less effective than acyclovir cream. In head-to-head trials, acyclovir showed better reductions in lesion area and virus levels compared to docosanol.[1]

How effective is Acyclovir?

Answer:
Acyclovir is highly effective at reducing both the severity and duration of genital herpes outbreaks. If you start using it early in an outbreak, it can shorten your healing time by several days and also reduce the risk of new sores forming. Studies suggest that regular use can also help to stop recurring outbreaks.[2]

Can I drink alcohol while using Acyclovir?

Answer:
Yes, there are no known interactions between acyclovir and alcohol. However, drinking heavily can affect your immune system, which could make herpes symptoms worse or delay healing.

Can I use Acyclovir while pregnant?

Answer:
Acyclovir is considered generally safe to use in pregnancy when prescribed. It has been used to treat herpes in pregnant patients without harm to the fetus. Still, it should only be used if needed, and under a doctor’s supervision.[3]

How long does Acyclovir take to work?

Answer:
Acyclovir typically starts working within 24 to 48 hours of your first dose, where you should notice some relief from symptoms like pain and irritation. It might take a few days before you start to see the full healing of sores, however.

Can I get Acyclovir through private health insurance?

Answer:
Acyclovir is commonly covered by private health insurance, but plans can differ. Check with your provider to confirm if you want to make sure you’re covered.

Treated trusted source:

  1. McKeough, M.B. and Spruance, S.L. (2001). Comparison of New Topical Treatments for Herpes Labialis. Archives of Dermatology, 137(9).
  2. ‌Nilsen, A., Aasen, T., Halsos, A.M., Kinge, B., Enok Tjøtta, Wikstrom, K. and Fiddian, A.P. (1982). EFFICACY OF ORAL ACYCLOVIR IN THE TREATMENT OF INITIAL AND RECURRENT GENITAL HERPES. The Lancet, 320(8298), pp.571–573.
  3. Cdc.gov. (2025). Pregnancy Outcomes Following Systemic Prenatal Acyclovir Exposure. June 1, 1984-June 30, 1993.

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