Acyclovir® Tablets for Herpes Virus Infections

What Acyclovir Is and How It Works

Acyclovir® is an oral antiviral used to treat herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections. It slows viral DNA replication, which can reduce outbreak severity and duration. This page explains labeled uses, dosing basics, safety, and how to access US delivery from Canada even without insurance.

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

This medicine is a nucleoside analogue activated by viral enzymes inside infected cells. The active form competes with natural nucleotides and terminates viral DNA chain growth. Because activation depends on viral thymidine kinase, it tends to concentrate its effects where the virus is replicating. It does not eradicate latent virus, but it can limit symptoms and viral shedding when used as directed.

Suppressive regimens may lower the frequency of recurrences. For episodic treatment, starting therapy promptly after symptom onset can improve outcomes as described in official labeling. The treatment can be used alongside local care like gentle cleansing and appropriate pain management when needed per clinician guidance.

Who It’s For

This therapy is indicated for adults and adolescents for initial and recurrent genital herpes, for herpes zoster (shingles), and for varicella (chickenpox) in select cases per label. It may be used for chronic suppressive therapy in patients with frequent recurrences. Patients with known hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir should not use it. Those with significant renal impairment require individualized plans from a healthcare professional. Use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding should follow clinician advice and product labeling.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the directions on the prescription label. Tablets can be taken with or without food. Swallow with water and maintain adequate hydration during therapy unless otherwise instructed. For genital herpes, regimens include episodic short courses or longer-term suppression. For shingles, dosing typically uses multiple daily doses for several days. For chickenpox, schedules vary by age and timing. Start treatment as soon as possible after symptom onset or at the earliest sign of a recurrence, in line with the approved labeling. Do not change dose or stop early without consulting a prescriber.

If taking other medicines that may affect kidneys, discuss monitoring and fluid intake with a clinician. People with reduced kidney function often need adjustments determined by a prescriber. Keep a steady schedule and use reminders to support adherence.

Strengths and Forms

Common oral presentations include acyclovir tablets. Labeled strengths widely available may include 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg. Some markets also offer an oral suspension and topical preparations; availability can vary by pharmacy and region.

Check the strength on the bottle before use and match it to the instructions on the prescription label. If the strength dispensed does not match the prescription, contact the dispensing pharmacy before taking a dose.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up doses. Consistent timing supports effectiveness across episodic and suppressive regimens.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature as directed on the package insert. Keep them in a tightly closed container, protected from excessive heat and moisture, and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in a bathroom or leave medicine in a parked car. When traveling, carry medicines in original labeled containers along with a copy of the prescription. Pack them in a carry-on bag and bring enough supply for the entire trip plus a small buffer as allowed. If crossing borders, keep documentation accessible for security checks.

Benefits

When used as labeled, this antiviral class can:

• Limit viral replication
• Reduce outbreak severity
• Shorten symptom duration
• Lower recurrence frequency with suppression
• Decrease viral shedding when started promptly
• Provide established oral and topical options

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects include nausea, diarrhoea, headache, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, dizziness, and rash. Most are mild and self-limited. Serious but less common risks include kidney problems, changes in urine output, or neurologic symptoms such as confusion, agitation, or tremor, especially in those with renal impairment or advanced age. Stop the medicine and seek medical care urgently if signs of severe allergic reaction occur, such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing.

Use caution with activities requiring alertness if dizziness or fatigue appears. Report persistent adverse effects to a healthcare professional.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Important interactions involve medicines that affect renal function or tubular secretion. Agents such as probenecid or cimetidine can raise acyclovir levels by reducing clearance. Concurrent use with other nephrotoxic therapies (for example, certain calcineurin inhibitors, some IV antivirals, or amphotericin B) may increase kidney risk. Dehydration and high-dose regimens further raise concern in susceptible patients. Alcohol does not have a direct interaction, but heavy intake can worsen dehydration.

Patients managing multiple conditions should review all medicines, vitamins, and supplements with a healthcare professional. For background reading on metabolic therapy regimens that some patients may also use, see Common Diabetes Medications. Always defer to the official product label and clinician guidance for individualized decisions.

What to Expect Over Time

Episodic courses aim to lessen severity of outbreaks when started early. Suppressive therapy may reduce the number of recurrences over months of consistent use. Regimens such as acyclovir 400 mg twice daily for suppression are described in labeling; the exact plan depends on diagnosis and clinical history. The medicine does not eliminate latent virus. Regular follow-up helps confirm benefit, review any side effects, and reassess the need for ongoing therapy.

Adherence supports outcomes. Using reminders, pairing dosing with routine activities, and keeping refills on schedule can help maintain consistent coverage.

Compare With Alternatives

Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir that offers less frequent dosing in many scenarios. Another oral option is Famciclovir, an antiviral in the same therapeutic class. For localized lesions where topical therapy is appropriate, see Zovirax® Oint 5. Choice among these depends on indication, dosing convenience, renal function, and prescriber guidance.

Pricing and Access

Many patients compare acyclovir price across pharmacies to manage out-of-pocket expenses. At CanadianInsulin, listings reflect Canadian pricing for prescription products with US delivery from Canada. Use the product page to review current options and place an order once the prescription is on file. Our platform offers encrypted checkout and coordination with dispensing pharmacies when a prescriber review is required.

Generics help lower costs for long-term suppression. Price changes may occur as supply and manufacturer availability vary. If the requested strength is not listed, check back or ask a prescriber about therapeutic options that fit the clinical need.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability can vary by strength and package size. If a specific item is out of stock, a prescriber may recommend an appropriate alternative or a different regimen within the same class. Veterinary antivirals are distinct from human products; for pet-specific items, visit Pet Medications and consult a veterinarian.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This treatment may suit adults and adolescents with recurrent genital herpes, shingles, or select varicella cases when used as labeled. It may be unsuitable for patients with severe renal impairment without adjustments or for those with prior hypersensitivity. To save on long-term therapy, ask a clinician about multi-month fills, and schedule refills before running out. Consider generics where appropriate, and compare options using reliable pharmacy sources. Plan ahead for travel and refills to avoid gaps, and check formulary details if using benefits. For educational context on medication planning, see National Diabetes Education Week. Some customers prefer home delivery for convenience and privacy, as US shipping options are available. For device-related education unrelated to tablets, see What Are Bd Needles.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Indication and goals: Is treatment episodic or suppressive for current needs?
• Timing: When should therapy begin at the first signs of symptoms?
• Kidney health: What monitoring is recommended based on renal function?
• Interactions: Are any current medicines a concern for additive renal effects?
• Pregnancy or lactation: What does the label recommend for these situations?
• Topical use: When is a topical agent appropriate alongside oral therapy?
• Follow-up: How often should response and tolerability be reviewed?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA DailyMed: Acyclovir Tablets
• Health Canada DPD: Acyclovir
• Manufacturer (GSK): Zovirax Information

Ready to proceed? Submit your prescription to CanadianInsulin for US delivery from Canada with prompt, express, temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice; always follow your prescriber and the official label.