Name: Aciclovir
Published: Feb 09, 2023

Aciclovir

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Reviewed on Feb 09, 2023. by Dr Daniel Atkinson GP Clinical Lead Registered with GMC (No. 4624794) Next review due on January 28, 2029.

Last updated on Feb 09, 2023.

Product info

Aciclovir is a cream or tablet treatment for herpes.
It’s used to manage infections that are caused by the herpes virus.
The active ingredient in both formulas works by stopping the virus spreading.

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Prices include:

Express shipping
24 hour shipping by secure courier.
Consultation + Access to our clinicians
Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.
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£25.95

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Aciclovir: essential info
Aciclovir: instructions
Important stuff you need to know
FAQ

What is Aciclovir?

Aciclovir is a non-branded version of Zovirax. Because it’s a generic medication, it’s usually a little cheaper, but the results it offers are exactly the same. Aciclovir is normally prescribed to treat infections caused by the herpes virus. It helps to remove the visible symptoms caused by the infection and leaves your skin looking nice and clear. You might see this medication used to treat other viruses like shingles or chickenpox.

The cream version is usually prescribed to treat cold sores, whereas the tablets are prescribed to tackle herpes and genital herpes directly. You can also get Aciclovir as an injection, but this is usually administered in a hospital. You don’t always require a prescription for either of these treatments. Aciclovir cream can often be bought in a supermarket or pharmacy without having to get a prescription.

How does Aciclovir work?

Aciclovir is named after its active ingredient, aciclovir, which acts by inhibiting viral DNA replication. By doing this, it reduces the severity of the infection and stops the virus from spreading.

Although aciclovir won’t cure herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort, and helps the sores (if any) heal faster. Aciclovir is just as effective at stopping future outbreaks as it is from treating current ones. ^[1]

What doses of Aciclovir are there?

There are quite a few dosage options available for Aciclovir. For the tablet version there are 200mg or 400mg tablet options available, and for the cream it’s one tube that contains 5% of the active ingredient, aciclovir.

Aciclovir is also available as a 200mg/5ml or 400mg/5ml oral suspension and as a powder that can be reconstituted in water for infusion.

Treated trusted sources:

Cernik, C. (2008). The Treatment of Herpes Simplex InfectionsAn Evidence-Based Review. Archives of Internal Medicine, [online] 168(11), p.1137

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on January 28, 2026. Next review due on January 28, 2029.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

How to take Aciclovir

The 200 mg tablets should be taken five times per day for five days to treat a herpes outbreak. The cream can typically be applied around five times per day to the area of the cold sore. If you don’t notice any visible improvements at the end of this period then ask your clinician for further assistance.

We always recommend taking this medication as advised by your clinician for the best results. However, if you have any questions you can always refer to the treatments product information. This should be included in the box with your treatment.^[1]

Aciclovir tablet instructions

Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication to see if you should dissolve the tablet in a glass of water and stir before drinking or swallow the tablet whole with a little water.
Start to take your tablets as soon as an outbreak is noticed.
The dose that you should take will depend on the condition that you have been prescribed Aciclovir for. Our clinician will discuss this with you before you order.

Aciclovir cream instructions

Start to take treatment as soon as you notice a cold sore forming.
Gently rub the cream on the affected area.
Let your skin absorb the cream. Do not wash the cream away with water.

How long does it take Aciclovir to work?

Treatment time can vary depending on you and the severity of your infection. You should start to feel the positive effects of Aciclovir within five days of starting your course. If you don’t feel any positive benefits after five days, ask your clinician for advice.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Aciclovir?

Aciclovir isn’t usually harmful. But you should avoid taking too much of it over several days. If you have taken too much, you should contact your clinician for further advice as soon as you can. Be sure to bring your product box and leaflet with you if they ask you to visit them for an appointment.

What if I forget to take Aciclovir?

If you forget to take a dose of Aciclovir 200 mg, just take a tablet as soon as you remember.
If you remember once your next dose is due, then just skip the forgotten dose and continue with your treatment as normal.
Don’t take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet

Treated trusted sources:

Aciclovir 200 mg Tablets Package leaflet.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on January 28, 2026. Next review due on January 28, 2029.

How we source info.

FAQ: Aciclovir

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How is Aciclovir different to other treatments for herpes?

Answer:

Most forms of antiviral treatment for herpes and cold sores contain a very similar type of active ingredient. The main difference is that not all of them are available as creams and oral suspensions like Aciclovir is.

Is Aciclovir similar to any other treatments?

Answer:

Aciclovir is the generic, non-branded version of Zovirax. They both contain the same active ingredient so they work in exactly the same way. The main difference with brand products is that they can be a little more expensive than generic treatments.

Because Zovirax is made by a specific company, it’s classed as a branded product. Some people prefer to use recognisable brand names whereas others are happier with a treatment that is essentially the same but cheaper.

What type of Aciclovir should I use?

Answer:

For cold sores, you’re usually better off using Aciclovir 50 mg/g cream. The tablets are better suited for dealing with genital herpes and work to prevent future outbreaks from occurring. Our clinicians can advise you on which treatment is the right option for you.

How effective is Aciclovir?

Answer:

A 2002 clinical study into the effectiveness of Aciclovir showed that it is highly effective at clearing up the symptoms of herpes and stopping recurring outbreaks. The study was undertaken on a mixed-sex group of 131 adults who were infected with the herpes virus. ^[1] The average duration of lesions was four days for the group who were given Aciclovir as treatment. The group who were given the placebo version (a fake tablet) suffered from lesions for up to six days. This shows that Aciclovir is effective at reducing the time taken for symptoms of genital herpes to clear up.

It is worth noting that Aciclovir doesn't kill the herpes virus, it just stops it from spreading. The herpes virus still inhabits your body once this medication is taken, Aciclovir just stops it from multiplying. ^[1]

Do I need a prescription for Aciclovir?

Answer:

Yes, you will need a prescription for Aciclovir when you get it online. This is just to make sure that the treatment is safe and right for you before taking it. Herpes is hard to treat, so it’s always worth speaking with a medical professional before deciding which medication is right for you.

Treated trusted sources:

Wald, A., et al. (2002). Two‐Day Regimen of Acyclovir for Treatment of Recurrent Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 34(7), pp.944–948.