What Is Aciclovir (Zovirax)? | HealthInfi

Aciclovir is the generic name for Zovirax, a prescription medication used to treat certain virus infections.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aciclovir to treat viral infections from the varicella virus that causes chicken pox and shingles, as well as infections from the virus that causes genital herpes. Sometimes doctors prescribe aciclovir to treat herpes infections in people with HIV.  The drug works by preventing viruses from dividing and multiplying. The FDA approved aciclovir in the 1980s.

Aciclovir is available as a generic, made by several companies, or under the brand name Zovirax, made by GlaxoSmithKline and available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. Aciclovir is one of the oldest drugs used to treat herpes simplex viruses and remains the first line of treatment for these infections.

However, research shows that aciclovir is not as effective as it used to be.

A 2013 study, published in the journal Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, found that acyclovir-resistant herpes strains could develop over time.

Resistance happens in people with a healthy immune system as well as in those with a weakened immune system.

Aciclovir Warnings

It’s important to know that aciclovir does not cure viral infections. However, it can make infections shorter and less serious for some people.

If you’re taking aciclovir for genital herpes, it can reduce the severity or prevent recurrences of a herpes outbreak.

If you’re taking aciclovir to treat chicken pox or shingles, the drug can reduce the severity of your infection.

It’s important to know that treatment with aciclovir works best when you start taking it as soon as possible after a rash appears. This means within three days of a shingles rash and within 24 hours of a chicken pox rash.

It’s usually not necessary to treat young, healthy children with chicken pox, but older children or adults who get chicken pox may need treatment.

Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Children younger than 2 should not take aciclovir. Use aciclovir with caution if you have kidney disease or any condition that weakness your immune system. If you have these conditions, you could be at risk for serious reactions to aciclovir.

Ask your doctor for advice on practicing safe sex if you have a genital herpes infection. Genital herpes spreads through sexual activity, and taking aciclovir alone may not be enough to prevent it.

Aciclovir and Pregnancy

If you’re a woman, let your doctor know if you are or may be pregnant or if you’re breastfeeding. Researchers have not studied aciclovir use by pregnant women, so there’s not enough evidence to say that it is safe to take during pregnancy.

Aciclovir also may pass into breast milk.

Aciclovir Side Effects

The most common side effects of aciclovir treatment for genital herpes include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Shingles requires treatment with higher doses of aciclovir, and the most common side effects at higher doses are tiredness and malaise.Read More