Aciclovir

GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Aciclovir is a medication used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV). '.

If you think Aciclovir is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Where do I buy Aciclovir online?

You can safely purchase Aciclovir online from UK Meds. All orders for prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation, which will be reviewed by a registered independent prescriber to ensure the medication is suitable for you.

Do I need a prescription for aciclovir tablet?

Yes, Aciclovir tablets are prescription-only medication and cannot be bought over the counter. If you don’t already have a prescription, you can complete a simple online consultation at UK Meds. A registered independent prescriber will review your application to determine if Aciclovir is appropriate for your needs.

What is Aciclovir?

Aciclovir is an antiviral medication used to reduce pain and speed up the healing of blisters or sores caused by conditions such as:

• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Shingles (herpes zoster)
• First-time or recurring outbreaks of genital herpes

It can also be prescribed to help prevent outbreaks of genital herpes in individuals already infected with the virus.

Aciclovir belongs to a class of antiviral drugs called synthetic nucleoside analogues, which work by slowing the growth and spread of the virus, helping the body manage the infection more effectively.

How does Aciclovir work?

Aciclovir is an antiviral medication that helps manage infections caused by the herpes virus. It works by stopping the virus from multiplying in the body, which helps reduce symptoms and speeds up healing.

However, Aciclovir does not:

• Cure herpes infections.
• Prevent the virus from being transmitted to others.

How quickly does aciclovir start to work?

Aciclovir usually starts working within a few days. Many people notice an improvement in their symptoms within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are taking Aciclovir to prevent recurrent genital herpes, it will continue to work as long as you take it regularly as prescribed.

• Prevent the virus from being transmitted to others.

What are the benefits of taking Aciclovir?

While Aciclovir does not cure the herpes virus, it offers important benefits:

• Reduces pain caused by chickenpox, shingles, or genital herpes.
• Speeds up healing of blisters and sores during outbreaks.

It helps manage symptoms effectively, allowing you to recover more comfortably and quickly.

Aciclovir Reviews

There are a large selection of Aciclovir reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available right here at UK Meds and at Drugs.com and Web MD.

These reviews provide insight into how the medication has helped others manage conditions like chickenpox, shingles, and genital herpes.

Individual experiences may vary

• People respond to Aciclovir differently.
• If someone reports limited success, it doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.
• Consult your doctor or healthcare professional to determine if Aciclovir is the right treatment for your condition.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Aciclovir patient information leaflet.

How do I use Aciclovir?

Forms and Dosage

• Aciclovir is available as tablets, capsules, or a liquid suspension taken by mouth.
• Take it with or without food, usually 2 to 5 times a day for 5 to 10 days, starting as soon as symptoms appear.
• For preventing genital herpes outbreaks, it may be taken 2 to 5 times daily for up to 12 months.

Key Instructions

• Take Aciclovir at the same time each day for consistency.
• Always follow your doctor’s instructions or the directions on the prescription label. If unsure, ask your doctor for clarification.
• Do not adjust the dosage (take more, less, or stop early) without medical advice.
• If using the suspension, shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the medication is evenly mixed.

Treatment Duration

• Your symptoms should improve during treatment. If they don’t, or if they worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
• Finish the full course of treatment, even if you feel better or the sores heal. Stopping early can make the infection harder to treat or cause it to return.

What is the proper dosage for Aciclovir?

Always consult with your doctor to ensure that you take the most appropriate dosage of aciclovir for your specific needs. Below we've outlined the typical dosage for the medication.

Typical Dosage

• Adults: 200mg to 800mg per dose, depending on the condition being treated.
• Children: Lower doses are usually recommended; follow your doctor’s advice.

Frequency

• 2 to 5 times daily, depending on your prescription:
  • 4 times a day: Morning, midday, late afternoon, and bedtime.
  • 5 times a day: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm, and 11pm.

Duration

• For Viral Infections: Typically 5 to 10 days.
• For Prevention: May require long-term use, as directed by a doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Aciclovir?

• Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose.
• If your next dose is near, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
• Do Not: Take two doses at the same time or take an extra dose to make up for the missed one.
• Tip: Set reminders or alarms to help you remember your doses.

Is it possible to overdose on aciclovir?

• Accidentally taking too many aciclovir tablets at once is generally not harmful unless it happens repeatedly over several days.
• If you’re concerned about an overdose, consult your doctor or healthcare provider for advice.

Can elderly people take aciclovir?

• Yes, adults up to the age of 65 can use aciclovir.
• If you’re over 65, it’s important to speak to your doctor first to ensure it’s safe for you.

Can I take aciclovir if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

• If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before starting aciclovir.
• They will assess whether the medication is suitable and safe for your specific situation.

Below are a selection of the most common questions UK Meds get asked relating to aciclovir:

Can I drink alcohol if I am taking aciclovir?

• Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking aciclovir as there are no known interactions between them.
• However, if you’re experiencing a genital herpes outbreak, it’s best to avoid excessive drinking to help your body recover more effectively.

Can I continue having sex if I am taking aciclovir?

• Avoid having sex until your sores have completely healed and symptoms have subsided.
• Even after treatment, it’s crucial to use a condom to reduce the risk of spreading herpes, as the virus can still be contagious without visible symptoms.

Should I drink a lot of water when taking acyclovir tablets?

• Yes, drink plenty of water—aim for 8 glasses a day—to support your kidneys and minimise any potential side effects on kidney function.

Should I drive or operate machinery when taking aciclovir?

• Aciclovir may cause tiredness or drowsiness, which can affect your concentration and reaction times.
• If you feel these side effects, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

• Aciclovir - NHS
• Aciclovir - BNF
• Aciclovir for Viral Infections (Zovirax) - Patient.info
• Acyclovir Oral - WebMD
• Acyclovir - Drugs.com
• Acyclovir (Oral Route, Intravenous Route) - Mayo Clinic

• Can Genital Herpes Be Cured?
• How To Get Through Your First Outbreak Of Genital Herpes?