Acyclovir tablets for cold sores

Acyclovir helps to reduce the severity and length of an outbreak. In people with frequent outbreaks and those with a weak immune system, acyclovir tablets can be used to help reduce the number of future outbreaks as a preventative medicine. Acyclovir tablets are also used to treat outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus in other parts of the body.

When treating cold sores with acyclovir tablets, you should take your prescribed dose as soon as you recognize the tingling or burning sensation at the site of the outbreak, ideally within 5 days.

Acyclovir is an antiviral agent that interferes with the growth and replication of viral particles, helping your immune system to target and tackle the virus. Prescribed treatment with acyclovir is best to be used in the initial stages of an outbreak, usually within the first 5 days.

For treatment of outbreaks, you will be taking a high dose for a short course, usually for 5 days. If you are immunocompromised, treatment doses are usually double the standard doses for healthy individuals. Suppressive antiviral treatment is an option for frequent (6 or more) outbreaks causing distress or if outbreaks are affecting your social life.

Do not take acyclovir tablets if you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to acyclovir or any ingredients used to make acyclovir tablets.

Acyclovir is generally well-tolerated in most individuals. A small number of patients may experience symptoms of fatigue, headache, feeling dizzy, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, itching, and a rash (including sensitivity to light).