Key takeaways
- Acyclovir is prescribed to manage herpes virus infections like cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox, and shingles by preventing the virus from multiplying and causing outbreaks.
- Acyclovir can help prevent the transmission of herpes, even when symptoms aren’t present, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk entirely; barrier methods and avoiding sexual activity during outbreaks are still important.
- If symptoms don’t improve after 5 to 7 days on acyclovir, consult a doctor, as they may recommend a different antiviral medication like valacyclovir or famciclovir, or adjust the treatment plan due to potential resistance.
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by various herpes viruses. These viruses can lead to an outbreak of cold sores, genital herpes, chicken pox, or shingles. It comes in several different forms and typically requires a prescription.
How long acyclovir takes to work will depend on your individual situation, including the severity of your condition.
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How long does it take to see results with acyclovir?
Doctors often prescribe acyclovir (Sitavig) to manage infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox). How long it takes to see results can vary depending on various factors, including the specific infection you are being treated for and the form of acyclovir you are using (oral, topical, or injection).
- Shingles (herpes zoster): When you take acyclovir within 72 hours of the first symptoms, such as rash or pain, it can help reduce pain and prevent new blisters from forming. Complete healing may take 10 to 14 days.
- Genital herpes: You’ll typically know whether acyclovir is working. Your pain and itching reduce, and your sores begin healing. Most initial outbreaks clear up within 19 days.
- Chickenpox: In children, if they take acyclovir within 24 hours of the rash appearing, you may see results as soon as day 1 of taking the medication. Other signs indicating that acyclovir is working include fewer new spots, low fever, and less itching and discomfort.
- Cold sores (oral herpes): If you take the medication at the first signs of herpes, such as tingling or itching, you may notice reduced pain and fewer new blisters. But complete healing of cold sores can take around 2 to 6 weeks.
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Get free cardWhat is the dosage for acyclovir?
Acyclovir is available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, topical creams, and intravenous injections.
The dosage varies depending on the form of the medication and the type of infection.
- Genital herpes: The typical dose for an initial outbreak is 200 milligrams (mg) taken five times per day for 10 days. For recurring outbreaks, a doctor may recommend a lower dose.
- Shingles: The typical dosage for adults is 800 mg, taken five times per day for 7 to 10 days.
- Chickenpox: For children ages 2 years and older, the usual dose is 20 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight. (One kg equals 2.2 pounds). You take acyclovir four times per day for 5 days. For adults and children over 40 kg, the recommended dose is 800 mg, four times per day for 5 days.
- Cold sores: The typical dose is 200 mg taken five times per day for 5 days. But for severe outbreaks, your doctor may adjust the dosage.
Can you take acyclovir to prevent transmission of herpes?
You can take acyclovir to prevent the transmission of herpes, even when no symptoms are present. This reduces the risk of spreading the virus to a partner who doesn’t have the herpes infection.
Acyclovir works by preventing the herpes virus from multiplying. Multiplication of the virus causes outbreaks. Acyclovir also helps speed up healing time, reduces symptoms, and results in less frequent and severe outbreaks.
Doctors often recommend that people who have frequent herpes infections take acyclovir regularly. This helps suppress the virus. They also recommend taking acyclovir for couples where one partner is HSV-positive and the other is HSV-negative to reduce the risk of transmission.
But acyclovir does not completely rule out the risk. Using barrier methods like condoms and avoiding sexual activity during outbreaks helps prevent transmission.
What if acyclovir doesn’t work?
If you don’t notice any relief in your symptoms after 5 to 7 days of taking acyclovir, or if your symptoms worsen, talk with your doctor.
They may recommend a different antiviral medication, such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) or famciclovir. These antivirals are similar to acyclovir but have different dosing schedules and may be more effective for some people.
Sometimes, resistance to acyclovir can develop, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan depending on your response to acyclovir.
Summary
Acyclovir is a commonly prescribed antiviral medication that helps manage infections caused by different herpes viruses. Depending on the type of infection, you may start noticing relief within a few days of starting treatment.
If acyclovir is not working or your symptoms do not go away, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.
Other antiviral options are available, and early intervention is important for managing herpes symptoms effectively.
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