Aciclovir
Aciclovir is an antiviral used for selected Herpes Simplex and varicella-zoster infections. It can shorten or suppress illness but does not remove latent virus from the body.
Key points
- Treatment purpose, formulation and timing differ for cold sores, genital herpes, shingles and severe infection.
- Kidney impairment, dehydration and high exposure increase the risk of kidney or neurological toxicity.
- Eye involvement, confusion, seizures or inability to pass urine needs urgent care.
Listings are for comparison and general information; suitability and supply depend on diagnosis, clinician and pharmacy checks and prescription requirements.
How aciclovir works
Virus-infected cells convert aciclovir to an active form that inhibits viral DNA polymerase. Earlier treatment can matter for some presentations, but suspected severe infection needs assessment rather than self-treatment.
Important safety checks
Kidney function, hydration, pregnancy, immune status and other kidney-affecting medicines require review. Topical, oral and intravenous products are not interchangeable.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for a painful red eye or vision change, facial weakness, severe headache, confusion, seizures, widespread blistering, breathing difficulty or markedly reduced urine.