Aciclovir (Acyclovir)

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names: 

Acitop (cream), Acitab DT (dispersable tablets), Adco-acyclovir (cream and tablets), Cyclivex (tablets)

Drug type: 

Antiviral

Prescription needed?

Yes (except for creams)

What does it do?

Aciclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat the following viral infections:

• Herpes - cold sores and genital ulcers
• Chicken pox and Shingles

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

Aciclovir cream - for treatment of cold sores

• Apply to affected areas 5-6 x daily, for 5-10 days

Aciclovir tablets - for severe herpes infections, shingles and chickenpox

• Treatment of herpes infections: 200mg 5x daily for 5 days
• Suppression of recurrent herpes infection in people who have normal immunity: 200mg 4x daily or 400mg 2x daily, 6-12 monthly intervals
• Prevention of herpes infection in people who have reduced immunity: 200mg 4x daily
• Chicken pox and shingles: Adults 800mg 5x daily for 7 days, adolescents (12-18yrs) 800mg daily for 5 days

Aciclovir eye ointment - for treatment of herpes eye infections

• Apply to affected eye 5x daily

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 24 hours

How long will the effects last?

About 8 hours

When should I stop using it?

Finish the prescribed course

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Yes, used for prevention of recurrent infections

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: burning/stinging/itching (creams and ointments)
• Less common: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, rash (tablets)
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash, persistent vomiting

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: kidney disease, poor immune function
• Other medicines: probenecid, cimetidine, mycophenolate mofetil
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: tablets used with caution, creams considered safe
• Children: Reduced doses used in young children
• Over 60: Reduced doses might be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: No known problems