Acyclovir: What It Is and When to Use It

Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine that fights the herpes family of viruses. You’ll see it prescribed for cold sores, genital herpes, shingles and chickenpox. It works by stopping the virus from multiplying, which helps lesions heal faster and reduces pain.

Most people start a course as soon as they notice a sore or get a doctor’s order after an outbreak. If you’re treating shingles, doctors usually give a higher dose for a short period. For recurring genital herpes, many keep a daily low‑dose pill to cut down on flare‑ups.

How to Take Acyclovir Correctly

The key is timing and following the exact schedule your doctor gave you. When treating an outbreak, take the first dose within one hour of the first symptom – that’s when it works best. Swallow tablets whole with water; don’t crush them unless a liquid form was prescribed.

Typical adult doses look like this:

• Cold sores: 200 mg five times a day for 5 days.
• Genital herpes – episodic treatment: 400 mg three times a day for 10 days.
• Shingles: 800 mg five times a day for 7‑10 days.

If you’re on the daily suppressive plan, it’s usually 400 mg twice a day. Stick to the schedule even if you feel better; stopping early can let the virus bounce back.

Take acyclovir with food or milk if your stomach gets upset. Staying hydrated helps your kidneys clear the drug, which is especially important for older adults.

Common Side Effects & Safety Tips

Acyclovir is generally safe, but a few side effects pop up now and then. The most common ones are mild stomach upset, headache, or feeling tired. If you notice rash, itching, or swelling, stop the medicine and call your doctor – those could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Kidney problems can happen if you don’t drink enough fluids, especially at higher doses. To stay safe, aim for at least eight glasses of water a day while you’re on the drug.

Acyclovir doesn’t mix well with certain medicines like probenecid or some HIV drugs. Tell your pharmacist about every prescription and supplement you take.

When buying acyclovir online, look for licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. Avoid sites that sell it without a doctor's order; counterfeit pills can be dangerous. Check for clear contact info, a physical address and reviews from real customers.

In summary, acyclovir is a handy tool against herpes viruses when you use it the right way. Follow your doctor’s dosing schedule, stay hydrated, watch for side effects, and choose reputable online pharmacies if you need to order it. Doing these things will help you get quick relief and keep future outbreaks in check.