Aciclovir is mainly used to treat genital herpes. It can decrease the severity of an outbreak in 1-2 days. It’s an antiviral medicine which can also treat other infections, such as cold sores and eye infections.  

Although there is no cure for herpes, a treatment like Aciclovir can help with outbreaks. Aciclovir tablets should be taken at the start of an outbreak. Symptoms can start to improve in 1 to 2 days and if taken early it may even prevent an outbreak.  

Drinking lots of water while taking Aciclovir is important. This helps your kidneys to keep working well, helping you to avoid dehydration.  

Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Aciclovir. You can also eat and drink normally, although staying hydrated is important.    

You should try and space your doses of Aciclovir throughout the day. Your clinician will let you know how many times a day to take the tablet, this is usually between 2 and 5 times a day. If you take Aciclovir 3 times a day you could:

• Take it first thing in the morning, at midday then at bedtime 

Aciclovir and Acyclovir are the same product. The only difference is in the spelling; Aciclovir is the British recognised name whereas Acyclovir is the United States adopted name.

No, Aciclovir tablets are only available with a prescription. If suitable, you can get a prescription for these tablets through an online consultation. You’ll need to answer some questions and our clinicians will make sure they’re safe for you to use. 

You can buy Aciclovir cream over the counter at your local pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist for more advice.  

We cannot prescribe Aciclovir if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). We recommend that you regularly screen for STIs. Frequent herpes outbreaks may indicate a weakened immune system, which can be caused by HIV. Know your status by taking an HIV blood test.

Aciclovir might interact with other medicines. It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Aciclovir safely.

We can prescribe a local anaesthetic gel, Instillagel, which can be used alongside Aciclovir to help reduce the pain of genital herpes outbreaks.

If you have more than 6 outbreaks of herpes each year, you may be suitable for suppressive treatment.