Foods to avoid while taking acyclovir

Key takeaways

• While taking acyclovir, you can generally continue to eat and drink as you usually would, as most foods do not affect the medication’s absorption.
• If you are prone to herpes outbreaks, you might consider limiting foods high in arginine, such as nuts and white meats, and increasing foods high in lysine, like beef and cheese, though more research is needed.
• It’s important to tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbs you’re taking to check for potential interactions with acyclovir, and to stay hydrated to help your kidneys process the drug.

Overview

Acyclovir (Zovirax, Sitavig) is an antiviral medication that treats infections caused by various herpes viruses. These viruses can lead to an outbreak of cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox, or shingles. Acyclovir comes in several different forms and requires a prescription.

Acyclovir generally isn’t affected by the food you eat. However, certain foods may affect the condition the medication is being used to treat.

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Foods to avoid and foods to try when taking acyclovir

According to acyclovir’s prescribing information, it’s safe to take the drug with or without a meal. This is because food doesn’t impact the absorption of the medication, and no foods are known to interact with the medication, impact its effectiveness, or increase its side effects.

The only foods that you may consider avoiding while taking acyclovir are those that may worsen herpes outbreaks — in particular, foods that are high in an amino acid called arginine. You might also avoid any foods that are irritating to outbreaks, such as citrus fruits that irritate a cold sore on your mouth during an oral herpes outbreak.

What’s more, acyclovir may cause stomach upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as a side effect. If this is the case, you might consider avoiding foods that further irritate your stomach, including spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.

Acyclovir passes through your kidneys, so it is important to drink plenty of water while taking this drug. Staying hydrated will help your kidneys clear acyclovir from your body.

Foods to avoid if you have herpes

There is some evidence that avoiding foods high in arginine and eating more foods high in lysine may help manage viral infections like herpes. However, more research is needed to determine how effective this may be.

Lysine and arginine are amino acids that you get from food. Viruses like the herpes virus need arginine in order to replicate. Lysine is thought to reduce the activity of arginine in the body, which may help prevent or manage herpes outbreaks.

Foods high in arginine that you may want to avoid include:

• white meats like turkey or chicken breast
• peanuts and other nuts
• certain legumes
• whole grains

Foods high in lysine that may help prevent or control herpes outbreaks include:

• meats such as beef, chicken, or pork
• cheese, especially Parmesan
• fish such as cod and sardines

You can also take lysine supplements to increase your levels of this amino acid. Be sure to talk with your doctor to find out if this is right for you.

To help boost your immune system, consider:

• increasing your intake of immune-boosting foods like spinach, kale, and berries
• limiting highly processed foods
• limiting foods with lots of added sugars

What else should I avoid while taking acyclovir?

Some medications may interact with acyclovir or increase its likelihood of causing side effects. These medications include:

• cimetidine
• mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
• probenecid
• aminophylline
• theophylline

Before you take acyclovir, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you take. It’s also important to let them know about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you take.

It’s important to use acyclovir with caution if you:

• have kidney problems
• have a compromised immune system
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Your doctor will help you decide whether acyclovir is the best treatment for you.

Summary

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication you can take with or without food. It is generally safe to eat most foods while taking acyclovir.

If you’re prone to viral infections like herpes, you may want to avoid or limit certain foods to help manage outbreaks. This includes foods high in arginine, such as legumes, nuts, and some white meats. However, more research still needs to be done.

Be sure your doctor knows what medications you are taking, as some drugs may interact with acyclovir. It is also important to drink lots of water while taking acyclovir to help lower the risk of side effects.

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