Aciclovir
Also sold as: Zovirax
Prescription neededAntivirals
Comes as:TabletSuspensionCreamEye ointmentDrip (infusion)
Usual adult dose
Cold sores or genital herpes: 400 mg three times a day (or 200 mg five times a day) for 5 to 10 days. Shingles: 800 mg five times a day for 7 days. Cream: apply 5 times a day for 5 days.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- headache
- burning or stinging with cream
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe allergic reaction
- passing little urine or kidney problems
- confusion or hallucinations (mostly in elderly people or kidney disease)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Kidney disease (dose must be reduced)
- Elderly people (drink plenty of water)
- Known allergy to aciclovir or valaciclovir
Interactions
No important interactions are listed in our database. Still tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you take.