Acyclovir Tablets for Herpes Virus Infections

Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections. This page explains how it works, who it may suit, and how to access it safely.

What Acyclovir Is and How It Works

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order. You can request access that Ships from Canada to US, and compare options for typical savings without insurance. This medicine targets herpes viruses by interfering with viral DNA replication.

Once inside infected cells, the drug is activated by viral enzymes. It then inhibits DNA polymerase, which can slow viral replication and support lesion healing. Use for recurrent oral lesions such as cold sores; learn more about triggers and care under Cold Sores. It may also be used for shingles; see background information under Shingles.

For mouth or genital lesions, oral acyclovir is commonly prescribed for episodic or suppressive therapy. Early start at the prodrome may improve outcomes. This medicine does not eradicate latent virus or prevent transmission.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes, including genital disease, and for varicella-zoster infections such as shingles and chickenpox. It may be used episodically during outbreaks or as daily suppression in patients with frequent recurrences.

Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir. People with kidney impairment, dehydrated states, or acute neurologic symptoms should discuss risks with a clinician. If pregnant or breastfeeding, review potential benefits and risks before starting therapy. For pediatric chickenpox details, see our overview of Chickenpox.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s instructions and the official label. For episodic outbreaks, start at the earliest signs such as tingling, burning, or pain. For suppressive therapy, take consistently at the same times each day. Swallow tablets with water and maintain hydration to support kidney safety.

Regimens differ by indication, outbreak severity, and kidney function. Antiviral acyclovir is often taken multiple times per day for limited courses, while suppressive regimens use regular daily dosing. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve as expected, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Avoid sharing this medicine, and never change your dose on your own. If you are treating cold sores or genital lesions, discuss prevention strategies and safer practices; see our condition page for Genital Herpes to learn more.

Strengths and Forms

Tablet strengths commonly available include 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg. Other presentations may include oral suspension and topical forms for limited conditions; availability can vary by pharmacy and region.

Many prescribers consider acyclovir 400 mg for episodic or suppressive use depending on the clinical scenario. Your clinician will select a strength and schedule based on indication, age, kidney function, and response.

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 tablet and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up doses.

For episodic therapy, timing matters; earlier initiation may help reduce symptom duration. For suppressive therapy, consistent daily use is important to help limit recurrences.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place away from direct heat and moisture. Keep the medication in the original, child-resistant container with the label intact. Secure it out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, pack your medication in carry-on luggage with a copy of your prescription. Use a daily pill organizer if helpful, and set reminders to support adherence. If crossing borders, carry your prescription and keep tablets in labeled containers.

Benefits

This antiviral class can help shorten the course of outbreaks, reduce pain, and support faster lesion resolution when started early. With daily suppression, it may lower the frequency of recurrences in patients with frequent episodes. Tablets offer convenient oral dosing and widely available generic options.

People with shingles can benefit from earlier treatment during the rash’s active phase. Patients with recurrent cold sores may also note a reduction in episode impact and improved comfort with prompt therapy.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache and tiredness: typically mild and transient
• Nausea or stomach upset: often improves with food
• Diarrhea: hydrate and monitor
• Dizziness: use caution with activities
• Skin rash or itch: discontinue and seek care if severe

Serious effects are uncommon but can include kidney concerns, confusion or agitation, tremor, or allergic reactions. Risk may be higher in older adults, people with kidney impairment, or those who are dehydrated. Stop the medicine and seek medical help if you notice swelling of the face or throat, hives, severe rash, or unusual neurological symptoms. For shingles and herpes care basics, our pages on Shingles and Cold Sores offer additional context.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements you take. Drugs that affect kidney function can interact, including certain NSAIDs at high doses, aminoglycosides, and contrast agents. Probenecid and cimetidine may increase levels of this medicine by affecting renal clearance.

Use caution when combining with other antivirals that share metabolic pathways. Alcohol can worsen dehydration; maintain good fluid intake. People with reduced kidney function often need dose adjustments; your prescriber will base decisions on lab values and clinical status.

What to Expect Over Time

During episodic therapy, lesions typically move through their natural course while treatment helps limit viral replication and discomfort. Response varies by outbreak timing, severity, and individual factors. With suppressive therapy, many patients experience fewer symptomatic episodes and may notice milder recurrences.

Adherence is key. Set reminders, pair dosing with routine daily activities, and keep a small reserve for travel. Contact your clinician if outbreaks change in pattern, affect new areas, or if you develop any unusual symptoms.

Compare With Alternatives

Valacyclovir and famciclovir are common oral alternatives in the same therapeutic area. Some patients prefer once- or twice-daily options for suppression depending on medical advice. Discuss the best fit for your regimen and medical history.

If you need an alternative, consider our listing for Famciclovir. For localized lip lesions, your prescriber might recommend a topical product such as Zovirax Ointment for select cases. Category context is also available under Antivirals.

Pricing and Access

Check acyclovir price, current availability, and package sizes before you add to cart. Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada can offer meaningful cash-pay value in many cases. You can review options, compare quantities, and select a refill cadence that fits your plan.

See seasonal offers on our Promotions page if you are looking for general site deals. We provide secure checkout with encrypted checkout to protect your information. For cold sore or shingles care, you can also review condition pages such as Cold Sores and Shingles to inform discussions with your prescriber.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply may vary by strength, quantity, and manufacturer. If your preferred option is out of stock, your prescriber may recommend a comparable regimen or a class alternative. For convenient ordering, acyclovir online purchase is supported with valid prescription verification.

Alternate options may include valacyclovir or famciclovir when clinically appropriate. Your clinician can advise on substitutions based on indication, kidney function, and dosing preferences.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This treatment may be a fit for adults with recurrent herpes outbreaks who want episodic therapy or daily suppression. People with significant kidney disease, advanced age, or neurologic conditions should discuss safety in detail. Always notify your clinician about pregnancy or breastfeeding before starting therapy.

Consider multi-month refills to reduce per-fill fees and help maintain adherence during travel or busy periods. Align dosing with daily routines and set calendar reminders. Choose a quantity that matches your prescribed regimen to avoid unplanned gaps between refills.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Best start time: when to begin at prodrome
• Suppressive therapy: daily use suitability
• Kidney health: need for lab monitoring
• Interaction risks: other medicines or supplements
• Outbreak planning: travel or work considerations
• Topical role: when creams are appropriate

Authoritative Sources

For full prescribing details and safety information, review the FDA DailyMed entry for acyclovir tablets available at the U.S. National Library of Medicine site. Manufacturer and generic product information varies; consult the specific package insert provided with your dispensed product, or search the Health Canada Drug Product Database. Additional U.S. label resources are available on the FDA Drug Database for reference.

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Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.