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:: What is Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is the generic formulation of Zovirax.
Acyclovir is a FDA-approved oral antiviral medication used for the treatment of herpes. Acyclovir is a generic formulation made by numerous US pharmaceutical companies.
Acyclovir's antiviral activity is against herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses. Acyclovir is used for the:
1. Treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes (episodic treatment  ).
2. Suppression of recurrent genital herpes (suppressive treatment ).
3. Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
4. Treatment of chicken pox.
Acyclovir reduces the symptoms and duration of a genital herpes outbreak. When used daily, it prevents or reduces the frequency and/or severity of recurrences.
Acyclovir leads to faster healing of lesions and shorter duration of pain when used in patients with shingles. Acyclovir reduces the number of lesions and leads to faster healing when used in patients with chicken pox.
See our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn more about genital herpes, as well as herpes zoster (shingles).
You can buy Acyclovir by going to our Acyclovir price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Acyclovir prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Acyclovir online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Acyclovir?
Patients with Genital Herpes should take Acyclovir: Patients diagnosed with genital herpes can receive episodic treatment of Acyclovir
for 10 days for the initial outbreak, and for 5 days for any subsequent outbreaks as they occur, or, they can receive suppressive continuous daily treatment of Acyclovir for frequent or severe outbreaks to help prevent or reduce their frequency.
Patients with Herpes Zoster (shingles) should take Acyclovir: Acyclovir is started within 72 hours of rash to help reduce the duration of herpes zoster.
Patients with chicken pox should take Acyclovir: Acyclovir is started within 24 hours of signs of chicken pox to help reduce the duration of chicken pox.
See our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn more about genital herpes, as well as herpes zoster (shingles).
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:: Who should not take Acyclovir?
You should not take Acyclovir if you have a hypersensitivity to acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) or any component of the formulation.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should take Acyclovir or not. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What should I tell the doctor before taking Acyclovir?
Immune system disease: Acyclovir is intended for healthy adults. Tell your doctor if your immune system is not normal because of advanced HIV disease, bone marrow or kidney transplant to avoid a potentially serious complication.
Pregnancy and nursing: There is no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to Acyclovir. But there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Acyclovir should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit to the patient clearly exceeds the risk to the fetus. Acyclovir may be secreted in human milk and may harm the infant. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Acyclovir.
Kidney disease: If you have kidney problems, tell your doctor before taking Acyclovir. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor will determine if Acyclovir is appropriate for you or adjust your dosage.
Patients over 65 years of age: Elderly patients are more likely to have kidney problems or may experience more side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Acyclovir.
Let your doctor know about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, and if you have or have had other medical conditions including allergies.
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:: What is herpes?
This question requires its own frequently asked questions page. Please see our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn about Genital Herpes, as well as Herpes Zoster (shingles).
There, you will also find advice on ways to manage the symptoms of herpes to help you get through outbreaks, as well as things you can do to reduce the risk of spread to others.
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:: What is episodic treatment of genital herpes with Acyclovir?
Episodic treatment of genital herpes means you take Acyclovir at the first sign of a genital herpes outbreak, treating each outbreak when it occurs to relieve the symptoms of pain, burning, and itching and speed up the healing of sores.
You take Acyclovir as soon as you feel an outbreak is coming on for 5 days, then stop treatment until the next outbreak. This method may be preferred if you have outbreaks infrequently, or if they are mild when they occur.
Episodic treatment of genital herpes does not reduce the number of outbreaks.
See our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn more about genital herpes.
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:: What is suppressive treatment of genital herpes with Acyclovir?
Suppressive treatment of genital herpes means you take Acyclovir continuously to help suppress outbreaks of genital herpes before they occur.
You take Acyclovir every day. This method may be preferred if you have frequent outbreaks, outbreaks are more severe with painful symptoms, outbreaks and anticipation of outbreaks are very stressful, or you simply want to minimize the number of outbreaks.
See our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn more about genital herpes.
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:: How is herpes zoster treated with Acyclovir?
Herpes Zoster (shingles) is an acute infection that frequently leads to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a severe and painful condition.
Acyclovir is used to shorten the length of the herpes zoster infection and speed up the healing of the skin sores. Acyclovir is used for 7 to 10 days, but must be started within 72 hours of the appearance of the herpes zoster rash.
Over-the-counter and prescription anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers are also used to reduce inflammation and pain.
See our detailed Herpes FAQ to learn more about herpes zoster (shingles).
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:: How does Acyclovir work?
Acyclovir is an antiviral agent. It reduces the amount of viruses in your system. Acyclovir enters your blood and is converted by the virus and your cells into acyclovir triphosphate.
The herpes virus in your body uses your cells to multiply. Acyclovir triphosphate interferes with this process, and reduces the rate at which the herpes virus can propagate, by inactivating and substituting a compound the virus needs to multiply. This helps stop the virus from reproducing and spreading to other cells in your body.
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:: How well does Acyclovir work?
While there is no cure for genital herpes, treatment with Acyclovir has been shown to have the following results.
Acyclovir’s Episodic Treatment of Genital Herpes: In clinical trials Acyclovir significantly relieved the symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak. Acyclovir significantly reduced the length of infection and lesion healing. The duration of pain and new lesion formation was also decreased in some patient groups.
Acyclovir’s Suppressive Treatment of Genital Herpes: In clinical study over 4 months to 10 years, Acyclovir has been shown to prevent or reduced the frequency and/or severity of reoccurrences in more than 95 percent of patients. In a study that followed patients receiving Acyclovir twice daily, 45% of patents had no outbreaks in the first year, while 52% and 63% had no outbreaks during the second and third years.
Acyclovir’s Treatment of Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Acyclovir can significantly reduce the duration of herpes zoster. Acyclovir should be started within 72 hours of rash, if it is not or no treatment is used there is an increased risk that shingles will lead to complications. In clinical studies, patients receiving Acyclovir had a shorter time to lesion healing and termination of pain, and shorter periods of viral shedding and new lesion formation.
* Keep in mind that even with antiviral treatment, it is still possible to spread the herpes virus to other people.
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:: How safe is Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is FDA-approved and has been used as an antiviral agent since 1985. Its safety and efficacy profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Acyclovir is safe when used on an as-needed basis, taken as each herpes outbreak occurs (episodic treatment ), or when used as a continuous daily therapy (suppressive treatment ).
However, Acyclovir may not be for everyone. Be sure to read Who should not take Acyclovir? .
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:: What does Acyclovir look like?
Acyclovir is generic Zovirax. Acyclovir is most commonly available in 200mg capsules and 400mg tablets. There are many different pharmaceutical companies that manufacture Acyclovir. Some of the most common Acyclovir pills for the US market are shown here. Your Acyclovir pills may look different, consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Teva Pharmaceuticals based in North Wales, Pennsylvania, USA, manufacture:
- Acyclovir 200mg, a blue opaque capsule with N over 940 printed in black on the body, and 200 printed in black on the cap.
- Acyclovir 400mg, a white with
light blue specs oblong tablet with
the imprint N943 on one side, and
400 on the other.
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Purepac Pharmaceuticals based in Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA, manufacture:
- Acyclovir 200mg, a white opaque capsule with
R-605 printed in black on both the body and cap.
- Acyclovir 400mg, a white round tablet with the imprint R on one side, and 606 on the other.
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Ivax Pharmaceuticals based in Cidra, Puerto Rico, USA, manufacture:
- Acyclovir 200mg, a white opaque capsule with Zenith over 4266 printed in black on the cap,
and 200 printed in black on the body.
- Acyclovir 400mg, a white round tablet with the imprint 4267 under a logo with two triangles facing each other on one side, and the imprint 400 on the other side.
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Mylan Pharmaceuticals in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA, manufacture:
- Acyclovir 200mg, a purple opaque capsule with MYLAN 2200 printed in black on both the body and the cap.
- Acyclovir 400mg, a white round tablet with the imprint M over 259 on one side, nothing on the other.
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Mova Pharmaceuticals based in Caguas, Puerto Rico, USA, manufacture Acyclovir 200mg, a blue opaque capsule with A05 printed in black on one
side of the body, and 200 printed in black on the opposite side of the body.
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Par Pharmaceuticals based in Spring Valley, New York, USA, manufacture Acyclovir 400mg, a white five-sided tablet with the imprint G over 0036 on one side, nothing on the other.
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Acyclovir is also available in 800mg tablets, cream, ointment, oral suspension and injectable formulations.
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:: What is the difference between Acyclovir, Valtrex, and Famvir?
Each medication has been studied and FDA-approved for use as follows: (differences in bold)
Acyclovir use is approved for the:
- Treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes (episodic treatment ).
- Suppression of recurrent genital herpes (suppressive treatment ).
- Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
- Treatment of chicken pox.
Valtrex use is approved for the:
- Treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes.
- Suppression of recurrent genital herpes.
- Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
- Treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis).
* Valtrex is also the only herpes medication studied and proven to reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to a partner when used with safer sex practices.
Famvir use is approved for the:
- Treatment of recurrent genital herpes.
- Suppression of recurrent genital herpes.
- Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex virus infections (genital herpes and cold sores) in HIV-infected patients.
- Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
Acyclovir is available in generic form. Valtrex (valacyclovir) is converted into acyclovir in your body but is better absorbed by the body and can be taken less often than acyclovir. Famvir (famciclovir) is similar to acyclovir and is also better absorbed and can be taken less often than acyclovir.
Clinical studies have not found any major difference in effectiveness of these three drugs and there are no studies directly comparing the efficacy of Valtrex and Famvir. The main difference between them is in how often the drug must be taken, and cost.
Generic acyclovir may offer some cost-saving, but Valrex and Famvir are better absorbed and are generally thought to be more effective. Valtrex and Famvir cost approximately the same per tablet but since Valtrex is taken once daily and Famvir is taken twice daily, suppressive therapy with Valtrex is more cost effective.
Below is a comparison of the dosing schedules for each drug:
Intermittent (episodic) therapy of genital herpes
Acyclovir 200mg tablet 5 times per day for 5 days
Famvir 125mg tablet 2 times per day for 5 days
Valtrex 500mg tablet 2 times per day for 3 days
Suppressive therapy of genital herpes
Acyclovir 400mg tablet twice daily, or 200mg tablet 3 to 5 times daily
Famvir 250mg tablet twice daily
Valtrex 500mg tablet once daily
Valrex has to be taken the least often, then Famvir, then Acyclovir.
See our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn more about Genital Herpes, as well as Herpes Zoster (shingles).
For more about Valtrex and Famvir, see our Valtrex FAQ and Famvir FAQ .
For prices, see our Acyclovir price comparison page , where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Acyclovir prices, no prior prescription required.
Then, compare with Valtrex prices and Famvir prices .
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:: How do I take Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is commonly available in 200mg capsules, and 400mg tablets. Acyclovir can be taken with or without food.
If you are taking Acyclovir to treat genital herpes:
Initial outbreak: the first time a patient is diagnosed with genital herpes. Acyclovir should be started within 72 hours of the start of signs or symptoms. The usual dose of Acyclovir is 200mg every four hours 5 times a day for 10 days.
Episodic treatment: outbreaks of genital herpes are treated when they occur. Acyclovir should be taken at the earliest signs of an outbreak. The usual dose of Acyclovir is 200mg orally every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 5 days.
Suppressive treatment: medication taken continuously to help prevent outbreaks. The usual dose of Acyclovir 400mg orally 2 times daily for up to 12 months, followed by re-evaluation. Alternatively, doses ranging from 200 mg 3 times daily to 200 mg 5 times daily can be used.
If you are taking Acyclovir to treat herpes zoster (shingles):
The usual dose of Acyclovir for the treatment of herpes zoster is 800mg orally every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days. Acyclovir should be started within 72 hours of the appearance of the herpes zoster rash.
* Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor will determine if Acyclovir is appropriate for you or adjust your dosage.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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:: For how long should I continue to use Acyclovir?
After 1 year of suppressive therapy, your doctor should reevaluate the frequency and severity of your genital herpes outbreaks and decide if continued therapy is appropriate.
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:: What should I do if I miss a dose of Acyclovir?
If you miss a dose of Acyclovir, take it as soon as you remember it and then take your next dose at its regular time. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT double the dose to make up for a missed dose of Acyclovir.
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:: How should I store Acyclovir?
Keep Acyclovir and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Acyclovir at room temperature in a tight container. Store away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Acyclovir?
The most common side effects of Acyclovir are headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and should not cause you to stop taking Acyclovir.
An uncommon but serious side effect that can occur in patients who have kidney disease or whose kidney function is diminished due to age is kidney failure and nervous system problems. Nervous system problems can appear as aggressive behavior, confusion, unsteady or shaky movements, speech problems, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. Always tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems before taking Acyclovir. Call your doctor right away if you experience any nervous system problems while you are taking Acyclovir.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur with Acyclovir. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome when taking Acyclovir.
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:: What other precautions should I take when using Acyclovir?
Genital Herpes and Safer Sex Practices: There is no cure for herpes. It is possible to spread the herpes virus whether or not you currently have an outbreak even with antiviral treatment using Acyclovir. Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have an outbreak or when you think you are about to get an outbreak, and always use a condom when you have sex.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding: There is no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to Acyclovir. But there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Acyclovir should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit to the patient clearly exceeds the risk to the fetus. Acyclovir may be secreted in human milk and may harm the infant. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Acyclovir.
Kidney Disease: Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor will determine if Acyclovir is appropriate for you or adjust your dosage.
Patients over 65 years of age: Elderly patients are more likely to have kidney problems or may experience more side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Acyclovir.
Do NOT share your Acyclovir prescription with others, this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Acyclovir?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, prescription and non-prescription. Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
Acyclovir should be used with caution when administered with agents that can affect the kidneys such as probenecid or zidovudine.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Acyclovir.
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:: What are the symptoms of a possible overdose of Acyclovir?
An overdose of Acyclovir can lead to kidney failure. Keep Acyclovir and all medications away from children's reach.
If someone takes a much larger dose of Acyclovir than recommended, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Acyclovir available over the counter?
No. Acyclovir is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get an Acyclovir prescription online?
Go to our Acyclovir price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Acyclovir prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Acyclovir online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Acyclovir cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Acyclovir prices before buying.
Usually, the more pills you buy, the cheaper the price per pill.
See our Acyclovir price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Acyclovir prices no prior prescription needed.
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:: Is it safe to order Acyclovir or other medications from non-US
pharmacies?
Purchasing Acyclovir from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Acyclovir, but not contain the active ingredient.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell FDA-approved Acyclovir. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Acyclovir price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Acyclovir prices no prior prescription needed.
If this is your first time ordering Acyclovir online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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