Aciclovir Tablets (400mg)

What is Aciclovir?

Aciclovir is an antiviral medication used in the treatment of a variety of conditions. It is a common cold sore treatment and is also used to treat genital herpes and other viruses.

Depending on how you prefer to administer your medicine and what your ailment is, Aciclovir is available as a cream or tablet.

You need a prescription to buy Aciclovir tablets. 

What is Aciclovir used to treat?

Aciclovir is commonly prescribed to treat and prevent a recurring attack of herpes, e.g. cold sores and genital herpes. It can also be used to protect those who suffer from low immune systems from contracting the herpes virus.

Aciclovir will help to relieve the irritation, blisters and scabs caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Doctors may also prescribe Aciclovir to treat shingles and chickenpox as they are also caused by the herpes virus, varicella-zoster. 

Why is Aciclovir prescribed for genital herpes?

If you start taking Aciclovir as soon as your symptoms appear, it will often work to clear them up within one or two days.

Aciclovir has been clinically trialled and found to be an effective treatment for the herpes simplex virus. This treatment has been used for more than 30 years. 

How does Aciclovir work?

These tablets work by stopping the herpes virus from spreading by targetting the enzyme in the virus that helps HSV to grow. Doing this means the immune system is able to fight the virus.

No medicine can remove this virus from your system, but antiviral medication like Aciclovir can help to treat individual cases of the likes of cold sores and genital herpes.

Who can take Aciclovir?

Aciclovir is considered a safe drug to take and can be used by both adults and children. However, it is not suitable for everyone. You should speak to your doctor about whether this medicine is right for you if you have any of the following:

• You are allergic to Aciclovir or any of its ingredients
• You suffer from kidney issues
• You suffer from a nervous disorder
• You have liver problems, liver disease or abnormal levels of salts in your blood
• You suffer from breathing difficulties
• You are over 65 years of age
• You are pregnant, trying to conceive or are currently breastfeeding
• You have a weakened immune system

If you have a weakened immune system from conditions like HIV, AIDS or a bone marrow transplant, you should speak to your doctor about which type of Aciclovir treatment is the most suitable for you.

Can you buy Aciclovir over the counter?

Aciclovir tablets cannot be bought over the counter. You must have a prescription. However, if you are suffering from cold sores, the cream version is available from most pharmacies and supermarkets.

Can you buy Aciclovir online in the UK?

You can buy Aciclovir online from regulated pharmacies like Medicine Direct, but you will first need to have an online consultation. All you need to do is fill out a confidential questionnaire, where you will answer some questions about your medical history and your condition. These will be assessed by one of our doctors, pharmacists or prescribers to make sure Aciclovir is the right medication for you.

As long as you order by 2pm, we can offer you next day delivery.

Medicine Direct is fully regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and other official medical authorities.

Aciclovir alternatives

Valaciclovir is another medicine that can effectively battle against the herpes virus. This antiviral quickly converts to aciclovir when it has been ingested and will get to work in the same way.

Generic valaciclovir and the branded version, Valtrex, can both be ordered from Medicine Direct after an online consultation.

Aciclovir is also available as a cream, both on prescription and over the counter.

Aciclovir Indiations and Dose

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Aciclovir.

The average dose when treating genital herpes is to take one tablet five times a day.

To prevent herpes from coming back, your doctor will likely prescribe you two tablets a day for between three and six months.

See the patient information leaflet for full details on doses, including the recommended doses for children. Children should not take this medicine to treat shingles.

If you suffer from kidney problems or are elderly, your doctor may lower your dose. Always take Aciclovir in the dose your doctor has prescribed.

How to take Aciclovir

These tablets can be taken with or without food.

Swallow Aciclovir tablets whole with plenty of water, unless told otherwise by your doctor.

Make sure you drink plenty of water during your time taking this medicine.

You should wash your hands regularly while suffering from an HSV outbreak. Additionally, because this type of infection is contagious, take care to ensure that the infected areas of your body do not come into contact with others. You are advised to not have sex while being treated for genital herpes. If you do have sex, you should always use contraception.

Side Effects of Aciclovir

As is the case with all medicines, Aciclovir comes with the risk of certain side effects, although not everyone will suffer from them.

Here are some of the most common side effects associated with taking Aciclovir tablets:

• Feeling dizzy
• Headaches
• Diarrhoea
• Skin being sensitive to sunlight
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Stomach pain
• Feeling tired
• Itching (skin reaction)
• High temperature and feeling faint, particularly when you stand up
• Rash

The below side effects are very rare, affecting less than 1 in every 1,000 people who use Aciclovir tablets. Nonetheless, you should go back to your doctor if you notice any of the below symptoms while using the treatment:

• You are having fits
• You have a reduced number of red blood cells (anaemia)
• You have a reduced number of white blood cells (leukopenia)
• You feel weak
• You have paralysis in parts or all over your body
• You feel agitated or confused
• You have hallucinations
• You have a reduced number of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia)
• You are shaking or have tremors
• You fall unconscious
• You have jaundice (yellowing skin or whites of the eyes)
• You have kidney problems, urinating less frequently
• You have lower back pain or pain above your hip
• You have hepatitis (inflamed liver)
• You have a lack of coordination or are unsteady on your feet

Always read the patient information leaflet before taking any prescription tablets.

Aciclovir Warnings and Drug Interactions

As with all prescription treatments, Aciclovir may interact with other medicines. This may also make you more vulnerable to side effects.

It is very important that you inform your doctor and pharmacist of any other medication you are already using before you start to take a new one. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medicine, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

In particular, you should make sure your doctor is aware if you are currently taking:

• A medicine to treat stomach ulcers called cimetidine
• Medicines to treat asthma called aminophylline or theophylline
• A medicine to treat gout called probenecid
• A prescription medicine given after organ transplants called mycophenolate mofetil

There are various herbal medicines used to treat the likes of cold sores and genital herpes. You must inform your doctor if you are currently using any of these before you start to use Aciclovir.

Because some of the common side effects associated with Aciclovir include feeling dizzy, stomach pain, having hallucinations or feeling tired, it is not advised that you drive or operate any machinery if you experience these effects. If you experience any of these side effects, you should not drive, ride a bike or operate machinery until you feel better. If these symptoms persist, go back and speak to your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Aciclovir is considered to be safe to take during pregnancy. If you experience regular breakouts, the doctor may recommend your taking Aciclovir during your pregnancy to prevent a possible breakout during childbirth, as this can pass the virus down to the newborn baby.

We recommend speaking to your doctor, who will be able to explain the risks and benefits of taking acyclovir during pregnancy.

Aciclovir is safe to use while breastfeeding. If you are taking Aciclovir tablets, some of the medication may make its way into breast milk, but the amount is considered too small to present any harm to your baby.

It is important to speak to your doctor if you are currently breastfeeding and taking Aciclovir tablets.

You can find additional information on the BUMPS website.

Aciclovir Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Aciclovir

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

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