From:
$12.85
Prescription required
Acyclovir (Zovirax): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More
Reviewed by:
From:
$12.85
Prescription required
Acyclovir is a highly effective, synthetic purine nucleoside analog with targeted inhibitory activity against the herpesvirus family, including Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 and Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). Available in topical, oral, and intravenous forms, it remains a cornerstone treatment for managing various viral outbreaks, from common cold sores to life-threatening encephalitis. Its clinical utility stems from a unique three-step activation mechanism dependent on viral thymidine kinase, which provides highly selective antiviral action with minimal toxicity to uninfected host cells. Acyclovir is one of the most widely used antivirals in clinical medicine and has well-established safety data across short-term and long-term use.
Your Prescription
Ready to Fill
Your savings with us
Avg. price at other pharmacies
Drug Facts
Generic name
Acyclovir
Brand names
Zovirax (oral, topical, IV), Sitavig (buccal tablet)
Drug type
Antiviral, Synthetic Purine Nucleoside Analogue
Controlled substance
No
Dosage forms
Oral capsules/tablets (200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg), 5% topical cream, 5% topical ointment, intravenous injection, buccal tablet (50 mg)
Typical dosage
-
Genital herpes, initial episode: 200 mg five times daily or 400 mg three times daily for 7 to 10 days
-
Genital herpes, recurrent episode: 800 mg twice daily for 5 days or 800 mg three times daily for 2 days
-
Genital herpes, suppressive therapy: 400 mg twice daily
-
Herpes zoster (shingles): 800 mg five times daily for 7 to 10 days
-
Dose adjustment required if creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min
Basics
What is Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is a highly effective, synthetic purine nucleoside analog renowned for its targeted inhibitory activity against the herpesvirus family, including Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 and Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). Available in topical, oral, and intravenous forms, acyclovir remains a cornerstone treatment for managing various viral outbreaks, from common cold sores to life-threatening encephalitis. Its clinical utility stems from its unique activation mechanism, which provides selective antiviral action.
Acyclovir, chemically known as 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)guanine, is a synthetic nucleoside analog that structurally resembles guanosine, one of the four building blocks of DNA. However, unlike natural nucleosides, acyclovir lacks the complete deoxyribose ring, which is crucial for its function as a selective chain terminator. This critical structural difference is the foundation of its impressive safety profile and highly targeted action against viral pathogens.
Indications
What is Acyclovir used for?
Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by HSV and VZV. Dosage and formulation depend critically on the specific viral infection and the patient’s immune status.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
Genital Herpes (HSV-2):
- Initial Episode Treatment: Oral acyclovir is the standard of care for alleviating the severity and duration of the primary outbreak. Typical regimens involve 200 mg five times daily or 400 mg three times daily for 7 to 10 days. Early initiation (within 48 hours of symptom onset) is crucial for maximum benefit.
- Recurrent Episode Treatment (Episodic Therapy): Short, high-dose regimens (e.g., 800 mg twice daily for 5 days or 800 mg three times daily for 2 days) are used to shorten the duration of painful outbreaks when initiated at the first sign of a lesion or prodromal symptoms.
- Suppression Therapy: For patients experiencing six or more recurrences per year, daily suppressive therapy (e.g., 400 mg twice daily) significantly reduces the frequency of outbreaks and minimizes the risk of transmission to sexual partners, offering a substantial quality-of-life improvement.
Orolabial Herpes (Cold Sores, HSV-1):
- Topical Treatment: The 5% ointment can be applied five to six times daily for localized treatment, though oral therapy often provides superior results for more severe infections.
- Buccal Tablet: A specialized 50 mg buccal tablet (Sitavig) is a targeted formulation for reducing the duration of recurrent cold sores.
Severe HSV Infections: High-dose IV acyclovir is essential for severe, life-threatening manifestations, including herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), neonatal herpes, and severe mucocutaneous infections in immunocompromised patients. HSE requires prompt diagnosis and immediate IV treatment to minimize morbidity and mortality.
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Acute treatment is crucial to reduce pain severity, hasten lesion healing, and potentially decrease the incidence and severity of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common and debilitating complication. The standard dose is 800 mg five times a day for 7 to 10 days, initiated as soon as possible after the rash appears. The benefit is most pronounced when started within 72 hours.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): Acyclovir is generally not recommended for routine use in healthy children, as the disease is typically mild. However, it is strongly recommended for high-risk patients, including adolescents, adults, and immunocompromised individuals, to reduce the duration and severity of the illness
Mechanism
How does Acyclovir work?
The effectiveness of acyclovir relies entirely on viral enzymes, making it a highly selective drug. The process involves a unique three-step phosphorylation cascade.
Step 1: Viral Activation (The Key to Selectivity)
The initial, and rate-limiting, step is the phosphorylation of acyclovir to acyclovir monophosphate. This conversion is performed almost exclusively by the enzyme thymidine kinase (TK), which is encoded by the herpesvirus itself. Cells not infected by the herpesvirus produce little to no of this viral TK, which means acyclovir remains largely inactive and nontoxic to uninfected host cells. This high degree of viral selectivity minimizes adverse effects on the patient’s body compared to less selective broad-spectrum antivirals.
Step 2: Cellular Conversion
Once the drug is activated to its monophosphate form, cellular enzymes—specifically guanylate kinase and other kinases—further phosphorylate it, first converting it to acyclovir diphosphate and finally to the active antiviral metabolite, acyclovir triphosphate (Acy-TP).
Step 3: Viral DNA Chain Termination
Acyclovir triphosphate acts through two powerful mechanisms to halt viral replication:
- Competitive Inhibition: Acy-TP competes with the natural deoxyguanosine triphosphate (dGTP) for incorporation into the growing viral DNA chain by the viral DNA polymerase.
- Obligate Chain Termination: Once Acy-TP is incorporated into the viral DNA strand, its missing 3′-hydroxyl group prevents the addition of any subsequent nucleosides. This effectively terminates the elongation of the viral DNA chain, permanently stopping the virus from replicating its genetic material. The affinity of Acy-TP for the viral DNA polymerase is significantly greater (up to 100 times) than its affinity for the host cell’s DNA polymerase, cementing its high therapeutic index.
Pharmacokinetics and the Critical Role of Renal Function
Acyclovir exhibits variable and incomplete oral bioavailability (approximately 10% to 20%), which limits the maximum concentration achievable in the bloodstream. Peak plasma concentrations are reached about 1.5 to 2 hours after dosing.
The drug is primarily eliminated unchanged by the kidneys, through a combination of glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. The elimination half-life is typically around 2.5 to 3.3 hours in adults with normal renal function. This renal clearance is the most significant clinical consideration.
Renal Function Adjustment (A Critical Safety Point)
Because acyclovir is heavily reliant on renal excretion, patients with impaired kidney function (creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min) require a significant dose reduction and/or an extended dosing interval. Failure to adjust the dose in these populations can lead to systemic accumulation of acyclovir, increasing the risk of dose-related adverse events, particularly neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
Dosage
Acyclovir Dosages & Administration
Genital Herpes (HSV-2)
- Initial Episode: 200 mg five times daily or 400 mg three times daily for 7 to 10 days. Early initiation within 48 hours of symptom onset is crucial for maximum benefit.
- Recurrent Episode (Episodic Therapy): 800 mg twice daily for 5 days or 800 mg three times daily for 2 days, initiated at the first sign of a lesion or prodromal symptoms.
- Suppressive Therapy: 400 mg twice daily for patients experiencing six or more recurrences per year.
Orolabial Herpes (Cold Sores, HSV-1)
- Topical: 5% ointment applied five to six times daily for localized treatment.
- Buccal Tablet: 50 mg buccal tablet (Sitavig) for reducing the duration of recurrent cold sores.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
800 mg five times daily for 7 to 10 days, initiated as soon as possible after the rash appears, ideally within 72 hours.
Severe HSV Infections
High-dose IV acyclovir for herpes simplex encephalitis, neonatal herpes, and severe mucocutaneous infections in immunocompromised patients.
Administration Guidelines
- Acyclovir tablets should be taken orally at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. Taking acyclovir with food is acceptable and may reduce mild nausea, though food does not significantly affect absorption.
- Staying well hydrated is particularly important during acyclovir therapy, as adequate fluid intake helps protect kidney function and supports drug clearance.
- Take acyclovir at the same time each day to maintain consistent drug levels, and complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve before it is finished.
- For topical cream: apply a thin layer using a clean fingertip or cotton swab, covering the cold sore and the immediately surrounding skin. Wash hands before and after application. Do not apply acyclovir cream inside the mouth, near the eyes, or to genital areas.
- IV infusion must be administered slowly (over at least 1 hour) to minimize the risk of nephrotoxicity.
- Dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance is required in patients with renal impairment.
Get The Right Dose For Less
Why pay retail prices for the same medication?
At Invictus, we source directly from trusted, FDA-approved manufacturers to keep your costs low without sacrificing quality. Whether you need a one-time fill or regular refills, our transparent pricing makes it easy to save every day.
Side Effects
Acyclovir Side Effects and Risks
Common Side Effects (Oral)
- Malaise and fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Headache
Serious Adverse Events and Monitoring
- Nephrotoxicity (Kidney Injury): This is the most serious dose-limiting toxicity, particularly with rapid or high-dose intravenous infusion. Acyclovir is sparingly soluble and can precipitate in the renal tubules, leading to crystalline nephropathy and acute renal failure. Ensuring adequate hydration and administering the IV infusion slowly (over at least 1 hour) are mandatory preventive measures. Dose adjustments based on creatinine clearance are essential.
- Neurotoxicity: Central nervous system (CNS) side effects, ranging from lethargy and confusion to seizures and coma, are rare but serious, usually occurring in patients receiving high doses, those with underlying renal dysfunction, or in immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms are typically reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.
- Hematologic Effects: Rare reports of leukopenia (low white blood cell count) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) have been noted.
Interactions
Acyclovir Interactions
- Nephrotoxic Agents (e.g., cyclosporine, amphotericin B, high-dose NSAIDs): Co-administration requires careful monitoring of renal function, as the combined burden can increase the risk of kidney injury.
- Probenecid and Cimetidine: These drugs compete for active renal tubular secretion, reducing acyclovir clearance and increasing its systemic concentrations, necessitating dosage adjustment.
- Mycophenolate Mofetil: Levels may be modestly affected by concurrent acyclovir use in transplant patients.
Viral Resistance
Acyclovir resistance is a growing clinical concern, predominantly observed in immunocompromised patients (e.g., those with advanced HIV infection or organ transplant recipients) who receive prolonged or repeated courses of the drug. Resistance is generally due to mutations in the viral TK gene, leading to:
- TK-Deficient Mutants: The virus fails to produce the thymidine kinase enzyme, preventing acyclovir’s activation.
- Altered TK: The enzyme produced has a reduced affinity for acyclovir.
When acyclovir resistance is suspected, particularly in chronic, non-healing lesions, alternative antiviral therapies, such as foscarnet or cidofovir, are typically employed, as these drugs do not require activation by viral TK.
Contraindications
Acyclovir Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any component of the formulation.
- Severe renal impairment or patients on dialysis require specialist guidance on appropriate dosing; acyclovir is not absolutely contraindicated but requires significant dose adjustment and careful monitoring.
Ready to Start Saving?
No one should overpay for safe, effective medication. By cutting out middlemen and working directly with trusted, FDA-approved manufacturers, Invictus offers the same high-quality medicines you’d find at big retail pharmacies—at a fraction of the price.
Whether you choose brand-name or generic, we’ll deliver it quickly, affordably, and right to your door. Maybe that’s why most patients who switch to Invictus never look back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Didn’t see the answers you’re looking for in this article? Check out this comprehensive FAQ for more details.
Administration & Dosage
Acyclovir tablets should be taken orally at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day — typically two to five times daily, depending on the indication and dose your provider has prescribed. Taking acyclovir with food is acceptable and may reduce the mild nausea some patients experience, though food does not significantly affect absorption. Staying well hydrated is particularly important during acyclovir therapy, as adequate fluid intake helps protect kidney function and supports drug clearance. Take acyclovir at the same time each day to maintain consistent drug levels, and complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve before it is finished.
The appropriate dose of acyclovir depends on the specific indication and severity, and your prescribing provider will tailor it accordingly. For cold sores in adults, common oral dosing is 400 mg three times daily or 200 mg five times daily for five days. For genital herpes outbreaks, typical doses range from 200 mg five times daily to 400 mg three times daily for five to ten days, depending on whether it is a first or recurrent episode. For shingles, 800 mg five times daily for seven to ten days is the standard adult regimen. Never self-adjust doses; your provider will specify the regimen appropriate for your clinical situation.
Acyclovir cream 5% is applied topically to cold sores on the lips and face five times daily for four days, ideally starting at the earliest sign of an outbreak — tingling, itching, or redness — before a blister fully forms. Apply a thin layer using a clean fingertip or cotton swab, covering the cold sore and the immediately surrounding skin. Wash your hands before and after application to avoid spreading the virus to other areas or to other people. Do not apply acyclovir cream inside the mouth, near the eyes, or to genital areas — the cream formulation is specifically for cold sores on the lips and face in immunocompetent patients.
Acyclovir cream and tablets can be used together in certain clinical situations — the two formulations work through the same antiviral mechanism but address different aspects of the infection. Topical cream provides direct antiviral activity at the skin surface of a cold sore, while oral tablets produce systemic drug levels that address viral replication more broadly. For severe or frequently recurring outbreaks, some providers prescribe both simultaneously, though the incremental benefit of adding cream to oral therapy is modest for most patients. Your provider will determine whether combination use is appropriate for your specific situation.
Acyclovir can be taken daily on a long-term suppressive basis for patients with frequent recurrent genital herpes outbreaks. Suppressive therapy — typically 400 mg twice daily — significantly reduces recurrence frequency and can also reduce the risk of transmitting herpes to a partner. Daily suppressive acyclovir is safe for extended use in most patients, with studies demonstrating tolerability over periods of years. Your provider will assess whether your recurrence frequency and clinical situation make daily suppressive therapy appropriate, and will periodically reassess whether continued suppression remains necessary.
For episodic treatment of herpes outbreaks, acyclovir courses typically last five to ten days. For suppressive therapy in patients with frequent recurrences, acyclovir may be taken continuously for months to years — long-term safety data support extended use under medical supervision. Periodic reassessment is recommended; some providers suggest a trial off suppressive therapy after one year to evaluate whether the recurrence rate has decreased enough that continuous treatment remains warranted. The decision to continue, pause, or stop long-term acyclovir should always be made in consultation with your provider.
Uses & Mechanism of Action
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. FDA-approved indications for oral acyclovir include genital herpes — both initial episodes and recurrent outbreaks — herpes zoster (shingles), varicella (chickenpox), herpes simplex encephalitis, and neonatal herpes. Acyclovir cream is specifically indicated for recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) on the lips and face in immunocompetent adults and adolescents. Acyclovir ointment is used for the initial treatment of genital herpes and mucocutaneous herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised patients. Off-label uses include prophylaxis against herpes simplex virus in immunocompromised patients and treatment of Epstein-Barr virus infections in some clinical contexts.
Acyclovir is a synthetic nucleoside analog antiviral — the first antiviral drug approved specifically for herpes virus infections and one of the most widely used antivirals in clinical medicine since its development in the 1970s. It is available as oral tablets and capsules, topical cream and ointment, and intravenous solution for hospital use. Acyclovir is not an antibiotic and has no antibacterial activity — it works exclusively against certain viruses and cannot treat bacterial infections. The brand-name Zovirax contains the same compound, and generic acyclovir is widely available and bioequivalent to the branded product.
Acyclovir works by mimicking a naturally occurring nucleoside — a building block of viral DNA — and exploiting a key difference between virus-infected cells and normal cells. Inside cells infected with the herpes virus, acyclovir is selectively activated by a viral enzyme called thymidine kinase into its active phosphorylated form. This step occurs far more efficiently in infected cells than in healthy ones. This activated form then inhibits the viral DNA polymerase. It is incorporated into the viral DNA chain, causing chain termination, halting viral DNA replication, and preventing the virus from reproducing. Because activation depends primarily on the viral enzyme, acyclovir has high selectivity for infected cells and relatively low toxicity to normal tissue.
Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir — it is converted into acyclovir in the body after oral absorption and works through the same antiviral mechanism. The key practical difference is bioavailability: oral acyclovir is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with only about 15-30% of the dose reaching the bloodstream. Valacyclovir is absorbed far more efficiently and rapidly converted to acyclovir, resulting in blood levels three to five times higher than those achieved with equivalent oral acyclovir doses. This allows valacyclovir to be dosed less frequently — typically twice or three times daily rather than five times daily — while achieving superior systemic drug levels. For most herpes indications, valacyclovir is now preferred over oral acyclovir due to its more convenient dosing and higher bioavailability.
Acyclovir has well-established antiviral efficacy against herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, and Epstein-Barr virus, supported by decades of clinical evidence. For genital herpes, acyclovir reduces the duration and severity of first episodes and recurrent outbreaks when started promptly, and suppressive therapy significantly reduces the frequency of recurrences. For shingles, it reduces the duration of the rash and associated pain when started within 72 hours of rash onset. Acyclovir cream modestly reduces the duration of cold sore episodes when applied at the earliest sign of an outbreak. Acyclovir does not eliminate latent herpesvirus from nerve ganglia — the virus persists in a dormant state and can reactivate, which is why recurrences can occur even after successful treatment.
Side Effects & Safety
The most commonly reported side effects of oral acyclovir include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and malaise — effects that are generally mild and tend to improve with continued use. Taking acyclovir with food and maintaining good hydration can reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Fatigue is a recognized but uncommon effect of oral acyclovir. Topical acyclovir cream may cause mild local reactions at the site of application, including stinging, burning, and itching, which are generally transient. More serious adverse effects — including nephrotoxicity and neurological effects — are more associated with high-dose intravenous acyclovir in hospital settings than with standard oral or topical use.
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication and lacks the antibacterial properties that underlie antibiotic-associated yeast infections. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, acyclovir does not disrupt the normal bacterial flora that keeps Candida overgrowth in check, and yeast infection is not a recognized pharmacological side effect of acyclovir. If you develop a yeast infection while taking acyclovir, another cause — including recent antibiotic use, immune status, or other individual factors — is more likely responsible. Discuss any concurrent symptoms with your provider rather than attributing them to acyclovir.
Diarrhea is a recognized gastrointestinal side effect of oral acyclovir, though it is generally mild and resolves without requiring discontinuation of treatment. Taking acyclovir with food rather than on an empty stomach may help reduce this effect. If diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by abdominal cramps and fever, contact your provider. Severe diarrhea during any antiviral therapy warrants evaluation to rule out other causes, though Clostridioides difficile infection is uncommon with acyclovir specifically.
Acyclovir tablets, capsules, and cream carry manufacturer-specified expiration dates; using the product beyond those dates is not recommended. After expiration, the stability of the active compound cannot be guaranteed — the drug may have degraded, reducing its antiviral effectiveness. Acyclovir cream should be stored at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Do not use a tube that has changed color, developed an unusual odor, or appears otherwise altered. Dispose of expired antiviral medications through a pharmacy take-back program rather than flushing or placing them in household trash.
There is no direct pharmacological interaction between acyclovir and alcohol, and no absolute contraindication against moderate alcohol consumption during therapy. However, alcohol can contribute to dehydration — a meaningful concern during acyclovir treatment, as adequate hydration is important for protecting kidney function and supporting drug clearance, particularly at higher doses. Alcohol may also compound the fatigue and malaise that some patients experience during herpes outbreaks and antiviral treatment. Staying well hydrated throughout the course of acyclovir therapy is advisable regardless of alcohol consumption.
Interactions & Contraindications
Acyclovir is one of the more extensively studied antivirals in pregnancy and is generally considered appropriate when clinically indicated. The Acyclovir in Pregnancy Registry, which collected data over many years, did not identify a significant increase in congenital disabilities associated with first-trimester exposure, providing reassurance about its safety profile. Acyclovir is commonly used for genital herpes suppression in the third trimester to reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn during delivery — a clinically important use where the benefit clearly outweighs theoretical risk. All use during pregnancy should be under the direction of the prescribing provider and OB-GYN.
Acyclovir is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any component of the formulation. It requires significant dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment, as the kidneys primarily excrete acyclovir — reduced clearance leads to drug accumulation. It increases the risk of nephrotoxicity and neurological side effects. Patients with severe renal impairment or those on dialysis require specialist guidance on appropriate dosing. Older adults are at increased risk of acyclovir-related neurological effects and renal toxicity and require careful dose adjustment based on estimated kidney function.
Acyclovir has relatively few clinically significant drug interactions compared to many antivirals. Probenecid and cimetidine can reduce renal tubular secretion of acyclovir, raising blood levels — this effect may be clinically relevant at higher doses. Other nephrotoxic drugs — including NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, and intravenous contrast agents — can compound acyclovir's renal toxicity risk, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney compromise or those receiving high doses. Mycophenolate mofetil levels may be modestly affected by concurrent acyclovir use in transplant patients. Inform your prescriber and pharmacist of all current medications before starting acyclovir.
Acyclovir has well-established pediatric uses and is FDA-approved for the treatment of chickenpox in children aged two years and older and for herpes simplex infections, including neonatal herpes. Intravenous acyclovir is the standard of care for neonatal herpes and herpes simplex encephalitis in newborns and children — conditions requiring hospital-level treatment. Dosing in children is weight-based and calculated by the treating provider. Acyclovir cream is approved for cold sores in adolescents aged 12 and older. For chickenpox in otherwise healthy children, the pediatrician makes the clinical decision to treat with acyclovir or allow the illness to resolve based on the child's age, illness severity, and immune status.
Generic & Alternatives
The generic name for Zovirax is acyclovir, and generic acyclovir tablets, capsules, cream, and ointment are widely available in the United States at substantially lower cost than the original branded product. Generic acyclovir is considered bioequivalent to Zovirax by the FDA and provides equivalent antiviral activity. Generic acyclovir cream 5% is the topical equivalent of Zovirax Cream. Your pharmacist can confirm current generic availability and pricing across formulations.
Acyclovir cream 5% is a prescription-only medication in the United States and is not available over the counter despite being a topical formulation. This distinguishes it from docosanol cream (Abreva), an OTC cold sore treatment, though docosanol acts through a different mechanism and is generally considered less potent than acyclovir. Oral acyclovir tablets are also prescription-only in all available strengths. A consultation with a healthcare provider is the appropriate first step to obtain a prescription for either formulation.
Acyclovir has a plasma half-life of approximately 2 to 3 hours in adults with normal kidney function, meaning it is largely cleared from the bloodstream within 10 to 15 hours after a dose, which is why multiple daily doses are required to maintain consistent antiviral drug levels. In patients with renal impairment, the half-life extends significantly as clearance slows, increasing the risk of drug accumulation and requiring dose adjustment. Following a complete course of oral acyclovir, the drug is generally eliminated within one to two days of the last dose. Acyclovir applied as a cream produces minimal systemic absorption and does not contribute meaningfully to systemic drug levels.
The most commonly used alternative to acyclovir is valacyclovir (Valtrex) — acyclovir's prodrug — which is generally preferred over oral acyclovir for most herpes indications due to its higher bioavailability and more convenient dosing. Famciclovir (Famvir) is another alternative antiviral in the same class with a similar mechanism and comparable efficacy for genital herpes and shingles, and is used when valacyclovir is not tolerated. For cold sores specifically, OTC docosanol (Abreva) cream is an alternative for patients who cannot obtain a prescription, though acyclovir cream is considered more effective. For shingles, valacyclovir and famciclovir are both preferred over acyclovir due to more convenient dosing and comparable or superior clinical outcomes.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication regimen. While Invictus strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, individual health conditions and circumstances vary. The prices, availability, and descriptions of all medications on this page are subject to change.
Your Prescription
Ready to Fill
Your savings with us
Avg. price at other pharmacies
