Aciclovir (acyclovir) is a prescription-only, antiviral medication used to treat genital herpes. The herpes simplex virus causes genital herpes, which is why antiviral treatments like aciclovir are needed. As there is no cure for genital herpes, the virus lies dormant in your body, occasionally becoming active and causing outbreaks. Aciclovir tablets can also be taken to prevent outbreaks if you have already previously been infected with genital herpes.

Aciclovir works by stopping the herpes virus from growing and spreading, controlling the infection, and helping your immune system clear it from your body.

No medications, including aciclovir tablets, will cure genital herpes completely, but they can treat and prevent outbreaks.

How quickly does aciclovir take to work?

Aciclovir starts working immediately and most people notice an improvement in their symptoms within 1 to 2 days.

The symptoms of genital herpes can last for up to 2 to 4 weeks, but antiviral medications like aciclovir can shorten this by 1 or 2 days.

How effective is aciclovir?

Aciclovir is an effective treatment for genital herpes. Research shows that aciclovir tablets can reduce viral shedding by 7 days, healing by 4 days, and pain by 2 days compared to taking a placebo (a pill without medication in it).

How you’ll need to take aciclovir will depend on whether you are taking it to treat an acute or recurrent genital herpes outbreak, or to stop an outbreak from happening.

To take aciclovir tablets, you should:

• take them by mouth, exactly as instructed by your doctor
• swallow your tablets whole with water unless given different instructions by your doctor

How to take aciclovir tablets to treat an acute genital herpes outbreak:

• The usual dose is a 200mg tablet taken 5 times a day
• The suggested times to take aciclovir tablets at this dose are 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm, and 11pm
• You can also take 400 mg tablets three times a day

How to take aciclovir tablets to treat a recurrent genital herpes infection:

• Take two 400mg tablets three times a day for 2 days or,
• Take one 200mg tablet five times a day for 5 days
• This treatment course is taken if you have previously had genital herpes infection

How to take aciclovir tablets to stop a genital herpes outbreak:

• Take one 400mg tablet twice a day
• You should try to space each dose by 6 hours
• You’ll need to take your prescribed dose for as long as your doctor tells you to (usually about 6 to 12 months in the first instance)

When to take aciclovir

If you take aciclovir to treat a genital herpes outbreak, you’ll need to take one tablet 5 times a day, preferably at 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm, and 11pm.

If you are taking aciclovir to prevent an outbreak you will need to take each 400mg tablet twice a day, at least 6 hours apart.

How often to take aciclovir

You should take aciclovir exactly as your doctor has told you to. Depending on your prescribed dose and whether you are using it to treat or suppress genital herpes, you may need to take it 2 to 5 times a day.

How long do you need to take aciclovir for?

If you take aciclovir to treat a genital herpes outbreak, you’ll usually need to take it for 5 days, but your doctor may prescribe it for longer if they think it is suitable. Most people will be prescribed aciclovir tablets for 5 to 10 days.

If you are prescribed aciclovir to prevent a genital herpes outbreak, you’ll usually need to take it daily for 6 to 12 months initially.

To buy aciclovir, you’ll need to request a prescription from your doctor. Alternatively, you can order aciclovir via online doctor services like Superdrug Online doctor; for this, there are no face-to-face consultations, and you can get the treatment safely delivered to your door (or to your local Superdrug pharmacy).

To request aciclovir online from Superdrug Online Doctor, simply:

1. Fill out a short online questionnaire about your health
2. Request and pay for treatment
3. A doctor will check if treatment is right for you
4. If your request is approved, your treatment can be sent to your door or to a Superdrug Pharmacy to collect

If you want to check if you are a carrier or have genital herpes, you can order a genital herpes test.

Can I buy aciclovir over-the-counter?

No, aciclovir tablets for genital herpes are only available with a prescription.

There are some topical genital herpes creams available over-the-counter in the UK. These are not available from Superdrug Online Doctor.

Can I get aciclovir on the NHS?

Yes, you can get aciclovir on prescription from the NHS. This means you can get a prescription from your normal GP or sexual health clinic, and collect your medication from your local UK pharmacy.

Not everyone will get side effects when taking aciclovir to treat genital herpes, but some people will.

Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) include:

• headaches
• dizziness
• feeling or being sick
• diarrhoea
• stomach pains
• rash
• itching
• skin reaction after light exposure (photosensitivity)
• tiredness
• unexplained fever and feeling faint

Uncommon side effects (affecting up to 1 in 100 people) are:

• hair loss
• itchy, hive like rash

Rare side effects (affecting up to 1 in 1000 people) include:

• abnormal blood or urine test results
• increased liver enzymes

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking aciclovir tablets straight away and call 999 or go to A&E straight away:

• rash, itching, or hives on your skin
• swollen face, lips, tongue, or other body parts
• shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
• collapse

You can learn more about the side effects of aciclovir by reading the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication.

How long do aciclovir side effects last?

For most people, aciclovir side effects are only mild and temporary. Side effects should go away on their own once you have stopped taking aciclovir tablets or after a few days once your body gets used to the medication.

What to do if you get aciclovir side effects

You can manage some of the common aciclovir side effects by:

• getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids
• avoiding drinking alcohol
• taking paracetamol if you need a painkiller
• eating simple meals if you are feeling or being sick and drink plenty of fluids
• sitting or lying down if you feel dizzy until it passes, avoid driving or operating machinery

If you get side effects when taking aciclovir and find them difficult to manage, or if they affect your quality of life, contact your doctor for advice.

You can also report any side effects, even if they are not listed in the patient leaflet via the Yellow Card Scheme.

Aciclovir tablets aren’t suitable for everyone. Do not take aciclovir if you:

• are allergic to aciclovir, or any of its ingredients

Tell your doctor if you:

• are over 65 years old
• have kidney problems
• are taking any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications including gout or stomach ulcer treatments or medications to stop your body from rejecting transplanted organs
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Aciclovir alternatives offered by Superdrug Online Doctor are:

• Valaciclovir: Valaciclovir is a prodrug which means it is not in its active form when taken. When inside the body, it is converted into its active form, aciclovir. It works in the same way as aciclovir but more valaciclovir enters the blood and has a greater effect on treating the infection.
• Famciclovir: Famciclovir is also a prodrug that is converted into penciclovir inside the body. It also works by stopping the herpes virus from growing and spreading.

You will also need to get approval from a doctor to get valaciclovir or famciclovir.

Can I have sex while taking aciclovir?

If you are taking aciclovir to treat a current genital herpes outbreak, you should avoid having sex until your sores have healed. You should use a condom even if you have no symptoms.

Can I take paracetamol with aciclovir?

Yes, it is safe to take paracetamol with aciclovir if you need a painkiller.

Is aciclovir cream available?

Aciclovir cream is available over-the-counter to treat cold sores, but it is not suitable for treating genital herpes. Aciclovir cream is available under the brand name Zovirax.