Acyclovir Tablets: What They Are and How to Use Them

If you’ve been prescribed acyclovir tablets, you probably have a cold sore, shingles or genital herpes. Acyclovir is an antiviral that stops the virus from multiplying, so outbreaks heal faster and pain drops.

Typical Dosage and When to Take It

The usual dose for most infections is 200 mg five times a day for five days, but doctors may adjust it. For shingles, you might see 800 mg three times daily for seven days. Always follow the schedule on your prescription – skipping doses can let the virus bounce back.

Take the tablet with a full glass of water. If your stomach is sensitive, you can eat a small snack; otherwise, it works fine on an empty belly.

Common Side Effects You Might Feel

Most people tolerate acyclovir well. The most common complaints are mild headache, nausea or a bit of dizziness. These usually fade after a few days. If you notice rash, severe stomach pain, or kidney trouble (dark urine, swelling), call your doctor right away.

Acyclovir can interact with medicines that affect the kidneys, like certain antibiotics or non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatories. Tell your pharmacist about every drug you’re taking to avoid problems.

Buying Acyclovir Tablets Safely

When you need a refill, use a licensed pharmacy – online or brick‑and‑mortar. Look for sites that require a prescription and display a valid pharmacy license number. Cheap offers without a script are red flags for counterfeit pills.

Compare prices across reputable pharmacies, but don’t sacrifice safety for cost. Many online stores list the exact dosage and batch number; this helps you verify authenticity.

Tips for Managing Outbreaks

Start acyclovir at the first sign of an outbreak – tingling or itching – for best results. Keep the medication handy, especially if you get frequent flare‑ups.

Combine treatment with simple home care: keep the area clean, avoid tight clothing, and use over‑the‑counter pain relievers if needed.

Remember to finish the whole prescription even if symptoms improve. Stopping early can let the virus linger and cause another episode.

When to See a Doctor

If you have more than four outbreaks a year, or the sores don’t heal within two weeks, schedule an appointment. You might need a higher dose or a different antiviral.

Pregnant women, people with weak immune systems, or those with kidney disease should get special dosing advice from their doctor.

Bottom line: acyclovir tablets are a reliable tool for keeping viral infections in check when you take them correctly and buy them safely. Keep this guide handy the next time you reach for your prescription.