Aciclovir 400mg (Cold sores)

Aciclovir stops the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) multiplying or growing, which gives your body’s immune system time to respond and get the infection under control. 

It is not a cure for these infections, as the virus continues to live in the body even after an outbreak but Aciclovir reduces the severity and length of the outbreak.

If Aciclovir taken as soon as a herpes outbreak has begun, Aciclovir can reduce the duration and severity of the outbreak. It can also suppress recurring outbreaks by 80%.

Aciclovir should be taken once, three times a day for 5 days and is swallowed with water. The treatment is most effective when you use it at the first signs of outbreak.

Like any medicine that is taken, Aciclovir can potentially cause side effects or have no side effects at all. Side effects are uncommon and for those who experience it, they are generally mild and pass rapidly.

These may include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes or tiredness.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions or on particular medicines. For this reason, it is very important you declare your full medical history to our Click Doctors via our online consultations so that a proper judgement can be made on its safety.

Do not take Aciclovir:

• If you are allergic to the active ingredient or any other of its ingredients.
• If there is a chance of pregnancy or you are breastfeeding

For full information on how to take, side effects and precautions, it is important that you carefully read the patient information leaflet.