Aciclovir Tablets | Genital Herpes Treatment (2025)

FAQs

Aciclovir Tablets | Genital Herpes Treatment? ›

The tablets, capsules, and suspension are usually taken with or without food two to five times a day for 5 to 10 days, starting as soon as possible after your symptoms begin. When acyclovir is used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes, it is usually taken two to five times a day for up to 12 months.

Acyclovir begins to work within 24 to 48 hours after you start taking it. It may take four or five days for symptoms to reduce, but you should continue consuming the medication until the prescribed course is complete. It will help to reduce the chance of reoccurrence.

When taken orally, acyclovir may be taken with or without food 2 to 5 times a day for 5 to 10 days and up to 12 months to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes.

Acyclovir is used to treat the symptoms of chickenpox, shingles, herpes virus infections of the genitals (sex organs), the skin, the brain, and mucous membranes (lips and mouth), and widespread herpes virus infections in newborns. Acyclovir is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections.

It works by killing or stopping the growth of viruses. treat cold sores, genital herpes and other herpes simplex infections • stop these problems returning after you have had them • stop these problems in people whose immune system works less well, which means their bodies are less able to fight infections.

If no substantial response to therapy occurs after 7 days of acyclovir treatment, or when new satellite lesions appear 3 to 4 days after starting therapy, acyclovir resistance should be suspected.

If you have genital herpes, you will probably be somewhat less likely to infect your partner if you use antiviral medication for prevention. The medications used for this purpose include acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. They must be taken every day over a long period of time, though.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that may cause kidney problems (including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen). Acyclovir is very similar to valacyclovir. Do not use medications containing valacyclovir while using acyclovir.

Treatment with valacyclovir or acyclovir is effective in reducing subclinical and total HSV shedding. The frequency of both total and subclinical shedding decreased with antiviral therapy by 91%–97% when measured by culture and by 76%–82% when measured by PCR.

In lab studies, tea tree oil, a potent antiviral ingredient, has shown promise in preventing recurrent herpes outbreaks. Experts note that more research is needed to better understand its antiviral effects.

How to heal herpes sores faster? ›

Antiviral medicine (acyclovir and related drugs) may relieve pain and discomfort and help the outbreak go away faster. It may also reduce the number of outbreaks. Follow your provider's instructions about how to take this medicine if it has been prescribed.

Valacyclovir is the most effective treatment for cold sores. It prevents the herpes simplex virus from spreading in the body and speeds the healing of cold sores. Although acyclovir is also effective, valacyclovir has a longer duration of action and plasma availability, so it can be taken fewer times in a day.

Common acyclovir side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually disappear as your child's body adjusts to the medication. Other common side effects include loss of appetite and headache. If these symptoms persist, please tell your transplant coordinator.

The tablets, capsules, and suspension are usually taken with or without food two to five times a day for 5 to 10 days, starting as soon as possible after your symptoms begin. When acyclovir is used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes, it is usually taken two to five times a day for up to 12 months.

Dosage for aciclovir tablets and liquid

A single dose is generally between 200mg and 800mg. Doses may be lower for children. You'll usually take aciclovir 2 to 5 times a day. Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day.

Valacyclovir is the valine ester of acyclovir and has enhanced absorption after oral administration, allowing for less frequent dosing than acyclovir. Famciclovir also has high oral bioavailability. Topical therapy with antiviral drugs offers minimal clinical benefit and is discouraged.

If you have symptoms such as sores when you're first diagnosed with genital herpes, your doctor will usually give you a brief course (seven to 10 days) of antiviral therapy to relieve them or prevent them from getting worse. Your doctor may keep you on the drugs longer if the sores don't heal in that time.

Response and effectiveness. May take up to two hours to reach peak plasma concentrations after oral acyclovir administration. May take up to three days for symptom reduction; however, acyclovir should be taken until the course prescribed is completed. Acyclovir works best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Antiviral medications like acyclovir or penciclovir can make cold sores go away about one day sooner. If you decide to use one, it's important to start the treatment as soon as you notice the first signs of a cold sore.