Acyclovir Tablets for Herpes Infections

This antiviral helps manage herpes virus infections that affect the skin and nerves. It supports faster recovery when started early and can reduce future outbreaks with suppressive therapy. This page explains approved uses, dosing basics, safety, and how you can arrange US delivery from Canada with clear pricing, including options without insurance.

What Acyclovir Is and How It Works

Oral Acyclovir is an antiviral that targets herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses. It becomes active inside infected cells and interferes with viral DNA replication. That action helps slow the virus, shorten symptom duration, and support healing. Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine belongs to a group of Antivirals used for recurrent cold sores, genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. It does not eliminate the virus from the body. The treatment may lower the intensity of pain, burning, and tingling during episodes. For background on conditions it treats, see Herpes Simplex and this guide to care options, Herpes Treatment.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated for adults and eligible adolescents with herpes simplex infections, including genital and oral outbreaks, and for shingles caused by varicella zoster. It may also be used for chickenpox in certain cases, based on clinical judgment and guidelines. People with significant kidney disease, dehydration, or a history of neurologic reactions to antivirals should discuss risks with a clinician before starting therapy.

Those with known hypersensitivity to this drug or its components should avoid it. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should review the official label and consult a healthcare professional to weigh risks and benefits. People with frequent recurrences may be candidates for long-term suppression to reduce outbreak frequency.

Dosage and Usage

Use exactly as prescribed on your pharmacy label. Tablets are typically taken multiple times daily during active outbreaks. Suppressive therapy for frequent recurrences is often taken twice daily over an extended period. Starting treatment at the first sign of tingling, burning, or pain can help the course of symptoms. Swallow tablets with water and stay well hydrated unless your clinician advises otherwise.

For shingles, treatment is generally most helpful when started as early as possible after the rash begins. If using a topical product for cold sores, wash hands before and after each application and avoid contact with eyes. Do not share topical tubes to reduce the risk of spreading infections. When uncertain about instructions, refer to the official prescribing information or consult your clinician for clarification. For symptom education, see Herpes Symptoms.

Strengths and Forms

This treatment is available in several oral and topical presentations. Common tablet strengths include 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg. A topical option is also available as a Zovirax Oint 5 formulation. Availability can vary by pharmacy and manufacturer.

Acyclovir 5% cream is typically used for cold sores on the lips or face when a clinician recommends a topical route. An oral suspension for patients who cannot swallow tablets may also be available through some pharmacies. Your prescription will specify the form and strength based on your diagnosis and health status.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. For topical use, apply the next dose as soon as you remember and continue the usual timing. Consistency helps keep antiviral levels steady.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets and creams at room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep containers tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, keep your medicine in original labeled packaging and carry a copy of your prescription. Place the medication in your carry-on bag to avoid extreme temperatures. Our partners use temperature-controlled handling when required.

Do not freeze topical formulations, and avoid storing them in a hot car. Check expiration dates regularly and do not use products that are outdated or visibly damaged. For clinical context on conditions related to travel exposures, review Chickenpox vs Shingles.

Benefits

When started early, this antiviral can help shorten the duration of shingles or herpes outbreaks. Suppressive therapy may reduce the number of recurrences and lower the intensity of symptoms over time. Topical therapy can provide targeted support for cold sores. Consistent use can help limit spread by reducing active viral replication during episodes. It is not a cure, but it can support meaningful symptom control.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or abdominal pain
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Topical burning, stinging, or itching at the application site

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include kidney problems, confusion or agitation, tremors, or allergic reactions with rash or swelling. People with reduced kidney function may need dose adjustments to reduce the risk of side effects. Stop the medicine and seek medical attention if you notice signs of a severe reaction, unusual drowsiness, markedly decreased urination, or persistent neurologic symptoms.

For eye-related concerns, such as corneal irritation or lesions, consult a specialist. Learn more about eye involvement at Ocular Herpes.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements you use. Interactions may occur with drugs that affect kidney function, such as certain diuretics or NSAIDs at high doses, and with agents like probenecid or cimetidine that can alter antiviral levels. Using this treatment with other nephrotoxic medicines may increase risk of kidney problems. Alcohol can worsen dehydration, which is not ideal during treatment.

Older adults and those with chronic kidney disease may be more sensitive to side effects. Stay hydrated unless you have a medical reason to limit fluids. Report persistent headache, confusion, hallucinations, or severe nausea. Review the label before combining with other topical agents on the same area.

What to Expect Over Time

With early treatment, symptoms often begin to ease after the first few days. Healing continues as viral activity decreases. For people on suppressive therapy, fewer outbreaks may occur with steady use, though individual results vary. Taking doses on schedule, starting therapy at the first sign of symptoms, and maintaining hydration can support better outcomes under your clinician’s guidance.

If outbreaks remain frequent or severe, your prescriber may reassess the plan. For cold sores and genital herpes information, see Cold Sores and Genital Herpes.

Compare With Alternatives

Some patients use valacyclovir, a related antiviral that converts to acyclovir in the body. It offers alternative dosing schedules that some find convenient. See Valacyclovir for details. A branded option is also available; review Valtrex with your prescriber. Topical formulations like Zovirax ointment can be paired with oral therapy when indicated for cold sores.

Pricing and Access

We aim to make care affordable by offering Canadian pricing with transparent fees. You can review Acyclovir price alongside available pack sizes before you add to cart. If you pay cash, we also display Acyclovir price without insurance to help you plan. This service Ships from Canada to US, and your order is fulfilled by licensed partner pharmacies following prescription verification.

Want updates on seasonal deals and education resources. See our current offers at Promotions. For shingles and other conditions supported by this therapy, browse Shingles for additional context on care.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary by strength and form. If a requested option is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative strength, a topical formulation, or a related antiviral. Pharmacists can coordinate with your clinician to adjust to a comparable therapy when appropriate. We do not promise restock dates, but alternatives are often suitable.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This antiviral may suit adults with episodic or frequent herpes outbreaks, or those with shingles who can start early. It may be less suitable if you have severe kidney disease without dose adjustments, a history of allergic reactions to similar medicines, or uncontrolled dehydration. Always share your full medication list with your clinician, including supplements.

To save on costs, consider a multi-month supply when appropriate, since fewer refills can lower fees over time. Set refill reminders so you do not run out before planned trips or foreseeable triggers. If paying cash, you can review Acyclovir cash price and compare available manufacturers. Ask your prescriber whether a topical add-on could reduce local symptoms during the first days of an episode.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Right timing to start therapy for my symptoms
• Whether episodic or suppressive treatment fits my history
• How kidney function affects dose and monitoring
• Ways to reduce triggers and lower recurrence risk
• Safe use with my current medicines and supplements
• Whether a topical option should be added for cold sores
• What to do if I miss multiple doses during an outbreak

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Acyclovir Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database

GSK (Zovirax brand information)

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