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 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.
What doses of Aciclovir are there?
There are only two dosage options available for Aciclovir. For the tablet version it’s a 200 mg tablet, and for the cream it’s one tube that contains 5% of the natural ingredient, aciclovir.