Acivir is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections of the skin and mucous membrane. It is also used for the following conditions:
Acivir contains acyclovir, a nucleoside analogue that targets viral DNA synthesis. After entering virus-infected cells, acyclovir is activated by the viral thymidine kinase enzyme to its triphosphate form. This active metabolite selectively inhibits the viral DNA polymerase and gets incorporated into viral DNA, causing chain termination. The result is a significant slowdown in viral replication, which helps lesions heal faster, reduces pain and itching, and can decrease the duration and severity of outbreaks. Because acyclovir acts on replicating virus, starting treatment early—ideally at the very first tingling, burning, or other prodromal symptoms—provides the greatest benefit.
The exact dose and duration should be individualized by a clinician based on the condition, age, kidney function, and immune status. The following are commonly referenced regimens for adults with normal renal function; do not self-adjust without medical advice.
Renal impairment requires dose interval extension due to predominant renal excretion of acyclovir. Elderly patients and those with dehydration are at higher risk for adverse central nervous system or kidney effects and typically need cautious dosing and aggressive hydration. If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose; do not double up.
For HSV outbreaks, initiating Acivir at the very first sign—tingling, burning, itching, or localized pain—can substantially reduce blister formation and speed healing. For shingles, beginning treatment within 72 hours of rash onset improves outcomes and may reduce the risk of prolonged nerve pain. Delayed initiation may still provide benefit, particularly if new lesions are appearing or the patient is at high risk of complications, but the magnitude of benefit tends to be smaller.
Most people tolerate Acivir well. When side effects occur, they are often mild and transient.
Stop the medication and seek medical attention immediately if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, significant mental status changes, seizures, or symptoms of acute kidney issues such as markedly reduced urine output or severe lower back/flank pain.
Clinically important interactions are more likely with medicines that affect kidney function or compete for renal tubular secretion. Always review your full medication list, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, with a pharmacist or clinician.
Acyclovir (Acivir) is a well-established, effective option for HSV and VZV. Valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir, achieves higher blood levels with less frequent dosing (for example, twice daily for many indications) and may suit those who prefer fewer daily doses. Famciclovir is another oral alternative with similar clinical efficacy for many indications. Choice among these agents depends on dosing convenience, cost, renal function, prior response, and clinician preference.
Generic acyclovir is widely available and usually affordable. Pricing varies by dose, quantity, and pharmacy. While low per-pill prices can be appealing, prioritize legitimate sources:
In the United States, acyclovir (the active ingredient in Acivir Pills) is a prescription medication. Access pathways must comply with federal and state regulations to protect patient safety, ensure appropriate screening, and provide pharmacist or clinician oversight. Depending on your jurisdiction, legitimate programs may dispense acyclovir after a qualified clinical assessment that does not require a traditional paper prescription from an office visit. These programs operate under physician standing orders, telehealth evaluations, or collaborative practice agreements, and medication is dispensed by licensed pharmacies.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Worth offers a legal and structured solution for acquiring Acivir Pills without a formal prescription in hand. In practice, this means patients are evaluated through an authorized clinical workflow, and if appropriate, acyclovir is dispensed under an applicable standing order or protocol, ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and patient safety standards. Identification, eligibility screening, and documentation are required; availability may vary by state regulations, clinical criteria, and supply. Always confirm details directly with the dispensing program, and seek personalized medical advice from a licensed clinician if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medicines that affect kidney function.
Regardless of the access pathway, responsible use remains essential: follow the dose and duration provided by the overseeing clinician or protocol, report side effects promptly, and use prevention strategies to reduce the risk of transmission to others.
Acivir Pills are a brand of acyclovir tablets, an antiviral medicine used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including cold sores (herpes labialis), genital herpes, shingles (herpes zoster), and sometimes chickenpox (varicella).
Acyclovir is a nucleoside analog that is activated in virus-infected cells and blocks viral DNA polymerase, which slows or stops herpes virus replication and helps your immune system control the outbreak.
They are prescribed for first and recurrent episodes of genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, chickenpox in select patients, and as suppressive therapy to reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks in people with frequent recurrences.
No. Acivir controls symptoms, shortens outbreak duration, and reduces viral shedding but does not eradicate herpes viruses from the body; the virus remains dormant and can reactivate.
Many people notice symptom relief within 24–72 hours. Starting treatment as early as possible—ideally at the first sign of tingling, burning, or pain—delivers the best results.
Take exactly as prescribed, at evenly spaced times, with or without food, and drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. Do not skip doses, and complete the full course even if you feel better.
Dosing depends on the condition: it can range from twice daily for suppression to multiple times per day during active outbreaks like shingles. Your prescriber will tailor the dose to your infection, kidney function, and age.
Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. Do not double up. Resume your regular schedule and contact your clinician if you miss multiple doses.
Common effects include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. These are usually mild and temporary. Taking the medicine with food and staying hydrated may help.
Seek medical help if you develop confusion, agitation, tremors, hallucinations, severe drowsiness, decreased urination, flank pain, unusual bruising, rash or hives, or signs of an allergic reaction like swelling or trouble breathing.
Daily suppressive therapy with acyclovir can reduce viral shedding and lower transmission risk, but it does not eliminate it. Use condoms consistently and avoid sexual contact during symptoms or prodrome.
Many patients use daily acyclovir safely for months to years under medical supervision. Periodic review of the ongoing need, side effects, and kidney function is recommended.
People with a known allergy to acyclovir or valacyclovir should avoid it. Caution and dose adjustments are needed in kidney disease, older adults, and those who are dehydrated or taking other nephrotoxic drugs.
Acyclovir can interact with drugs that affect kidney function or acyclovir levels, such as probenecid, cimetidine, mycophenolate, certain HIV medicines (e.g., tenofovir), and other nephrotoxic agents. Always share your full medication list with your prescriber.
Yes, acyclovir is used in children for certain indications like chickenpox or cold sores, with dosing based on weight and kidney function. A pediatric clinician should determine the dose.
Store at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat and moisture, and keep out of reach of children. Do not use past the expiration date.
You can take it with or without food. Caffeine and usual multivitamins are generally fine. Avoid getting dehydrated; drink water regularly. Check with your clinician before starting high-dose supplements.
Some people experience dizziness or fatigue. Until you know your reaction, avoid driving or operating machinery.
It helps limit viral replication and can reduce the severity and duration of acute pain. It may lower the risk of postherpetic neuralgia when started promptly, but pain control often also requires analgesics.
There is no known direct interaction between alcohol and acyclovir, but alcohol can worsen dehydration and dizziness. If you drink, do so moderately and increase your water intake. Skip alcohol if you feel unwell.
Acyclovir has not been associated with an increased risk of birth defects in available data and is commonly used when benefits outweigh risks, particularly for genital herpes management and suppression near delivery. Discuss timing and dose with your obstetrician.
Acyclovir passes into breast milk in small amounts but is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Monitor the infant for diarrhea or fussiness and consult your pediatrician, especially with high doses or premature infants.
Yes, but acyclovir is cleared by the kidneys, so dosing must be adjusted. Your clinician may order kidney function tests and emphasize hydration. Report reduced urine output or new flank pain promptly.
Do not stop unless your surgeon or anesthesiologist advises it. It is usually continued. Bring a complete medication list to your pre-op visit and maintain good hydration unless you are told to fast.
Antiviral drugs like acyclovir can reduce the replication of live varicella-zoster vaccines. Your clinician may advise avoiding acyclovir 24 hours before and for about 14 days after a live varicella vaccine. This does not apply to the recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix), which is not live.
Yes, but dehydration increases the risk of kidney-related side effects. Hydrate well, especially during fever, exercise, or heat exposure, and take rest if you feel lightheaded.
Acyclovir does not reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Continue safe-sex practices to reduce herpes transmission.
Valacyclovir is a prodrug that your body converts to acyclovir and has better oral absorption, allowing less frequent dosing. Both are effective against HSV and VZV when dosed appropriately.
Valacyclovir is usually more convenient because it’s taken fewer times per day, which can improve adherence. Acivir may require more frequent dosing during outbreaks.
Both are similarly effective when equivalent exposures are achieved; valacyclovir’s improved bioavailability can make it easier to reach effective levels with fewer daily doses.
All three are effective if started early. Valacyclovir and famciclovir offer more convenient dosing and may be preferred in some guidelines. Choice depends on availability, cost, kidney function, and clinician preference.
Famciclovir (prodrug of penciclovir) also targets viral DNA polymerase and has convenient dosing. Side effect profiles are similar; headache and nausea are common with both. Some patients find famciclovir easier due to less frequent dosing.
At the first sign of a cold sore, oral acyclovir can shorten the episode systemically, while topical acyclovir may provide modest benefit locally. Severe or frequent outbreaks often respond better to oral therapy; some clinicians combine both.
Docosanol is an OTC topical that blocks viral entry and may slightly shorten healing if started early. Acivir is prescription systemic therapy that generally provides greater benefit for moderate-to-severe or frequent cold sores.
Penciclovir cream can modestly reduce cold sore duration when applied early and frequently. Acivir Pills treat the infection from within and may be preferable for more extensive lesions, severe pain, or frequent recurrences.
No. Both are antivirals, but ganciclovir is primarily used for cytomegalovirus (CMV) and has a higher toxicity profile. Acivir (acyclovir) is the standard for HSV and VZV in most patients.
Both work well. Valacyclovir’s once-daily regimen can be more convenient, which may improve adherence. Acivir suppression typically requires twice-daily dosing. The choice often comes down to cost, access, and tolerance.
Acyclovir and valacyclovir share the same active moiety, so resistance often affects both. Some acyclovir-resistant strains also resist famciclovir. Alternatives like foscarnet or cidofovir may be considered under specialist care.
All can cause headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and dizziness. Kidney-related issues are possible with any, especially with dehydration or preexisting kidney disease. Neurotoxicity is rare but more likely with high levels and renal impairment.
Generic acyclovir is often the least expensive. Valacyclovir and famciclovir may cost more but offer simpler dosing. Prices vary by region, insurance, and pharmacy discount programs.
When started at prodrome, both can reduce healing time. Valacyclovir’s convenient dosing can improve timely initiation and adherence, which can influence outcomes more than the drug choice itself.
Yes, switches are common for convenience or tolerance. Your clinician will choose an equivalent regimen and adjust for kidney function.
All require dose adjustments in reduced kidney function. No option is universally “better”; the safest choice is the one correctly dose-adjusted for your renal function with careful hydration and monitoring.
Written on 2 March, 2023: Laura Jenkins
Re-written on 8 October, 2025: Cristina Matera, MD