Aciclovir Tablets - 400mg

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Aciclovir Tablets - 400mg

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Quantities 400mg
15 £21.99
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Registered UK Pharmacy number 9012073
Please note: This page is only to be used as a reference of our price for this medication. If you are approved you will be offered treatment for you and the prescriber to jointly consider. However, the final decision will always be the prescriber's.

Medication features

Aciclovir is used in decreasing the pain and speeding up the healing of blisters or sores in people first-time or repeat outbreaks of genital herpes. It is also used in the prevention of outbreaks in those who have been infected with the virus.

  • Reduces the number of future episodes
  • Treats outbreaks of genital herpes
  • Helps sores to heal faster

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What Is Aciclovir?

Aciclovir, also spelled ‘Acyclovir’ is an effective antiviral medicine used to treat herpes. It is one of the most commonly used antiviral drugs that you can buy online. Aciclovir tablets provide effective treatment for outbreaks of the herpes virus including genital herpes, chickenpox, cold sores, and shingles so that you can effectively manage your condition. 

This highly effective medication works by preventing viruses from multiplying, and this reduces the severity of the infection, stopping it from spreading. 

Aciclovir tablets are usually ingested, but they can also come as a drinkable liquid and a topical cream. Sometimes, an injection can be administered, although this is only to be carried out by a trained medical professional.

Taking this treatment within 24 hours after the first signs of an outbreak could help speed up the recovery time from cold sores and genital herpes and stop the spread of the shingles rash around the body, as well as alleviating any symptoms.

What Are Aciclovir Tablets Used For?

Aciclovir is usually used to treat cold sores, genital herpes, and sometimes chickenpox and shingles. However, this antiviral can also be prescribed to people with weak immune systems to stop them from contracting herpes infections.

How Does Aciclovir Work?

Aciclovir tablets support your immune system to combat the virus and stop it from spreading. However, Aciclovir tablets cannot cure herpes - they can just work to stop flare-ups from occurring.

Aciclovir and Alcohol

You can drink alcohol while taking Aciclovir. However, if you experience any side effects - for example, nausea, vomiting, or headache, you should avoid alcohol as it could make these side effects worse.

Aciclovir and Pregnancy

Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant and want to take Aciclovir. For most people, it is safe to use Aciclovir tablets or cream while pregnant. However, it’s important to consult your doctor, who will explain the risks and benefits of Aciclovir for pregnant women.

It is also usually safe for breastfeeding mothers to take Aciclovir. Be aware that small amounts of the medicine may pass through your breast milk. However, this amount is unlikely to affect your baby. To be on the safe side, it is recommended to consult with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Can I Have Sex While Taking Aciclovir?

If you have genital herpes, you should not have sexual intercourse until your blisters are better. Once your symptoms are gone, you should continue to use protection whilst having sex.

If you are taking Aciclovir for cold sores, you should not kiss or have oral sex with your partner until the sores are better.

Aciclovir does not affect contraception. However, if you experience diarrhoea or vomiting as a side effect and take the contraceptive pill, it may not be effective. The leaflet inside your contraceptive pill packet has instructions for this situation.

Can I Take Paracetamol With Aciclovir?

Yes, Aciclovir is safe to take with paracetamol. However, if you do start to experience any side effects when taking both medications, please consult a medical professional immediately.

Aciclovir vs Valaciclovir

Both Aciclovir and Valaciclovir are medications used to treat the herpes virus for cold sores, shingles, herpes simplex, and genital herpes. Both are very effective at managing herpes symptoms, with both effective at reducing pain.

Additionally, side effects seem to differ slightly as Aciclovir users may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea. Whereas Valaciclovir's side effects may include headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fatigue.

Aciclovir Tablets Review

Overall, the majority of Aciclovir tablet reviews are positive. Reviewers recognise that Aciclovir is effective at swiftly dealing with flare-ups. Although the herpes virus is incurable, this medicine can easily counter flare-ups of the virus that occur every few years, which makes herpes just a minor inconvenience rather than a limiting condition.

Aciclovir tablets also work well for cold sores. People who suffer from cold sores usually take it sporadically when needed.

Can I Buy Aciclovir Tablets Over the Counter?

Yes, you can buy Aciclovir tablets over the counter and online. If you do not have any conditions that make you unsuitable to take Aciclovir and are not taking any other medications that could react, you can use our online pharmacy to buy Aciclovir online!

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How to Take Aciclovir

You should take Aciclovir as soon as you notice symptoms of herpes infection. If you are taking Aciclovir tablets 400mg, you should take them two to five times per day at regular intervals. For example, if you are taking them three times a day, you could take one dose at 6 am, one at 12 noon, and one at 6 pm.

You can take these tablets with food if you prefer, but it’s also fine to take them without food.

You should swallow Aciclovir tablets whole with a drink of water. You can also dissolve them in the water - but ensure that you drink all of the liquid.

If you are taking Aciclovir in liquid form, you should have a plastic syringe or measuring spoon that you can use to measure the medicine. Follow the instructions on the packet and drink the required amount. Do not use a teaspoon or tablespoon, as this will not be the required amount. If you do not have a measuring device or have any doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

Aciclovir tablets can affect your kidneys, so it is advisable to drink lots of water throughout the course of taking them.

If you are taking Aciclovir tablets for a viral infection, your course will be 5-10 days. If you are taking them to prevent contracting herpes or another infection, the course length will be determined by a doctor.

You should use Aciclovir cream five times a day. Thinly spread a layer of the cream on your cold sore or genital herpes and let it dry. Ensure that no cream gets into your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

Aciclovir cream courses usually last for a minimum of four days (five for genital herpes). If you find that your sores have not healed after four days, you should continue the course. If you find that your sore has not healed after ten days, you should consult your doctor, who will be able to offer other remedies.

How Long Do Aciclovir Tablets Take to Work?

Aciclovir tablets take a few days to work. If you take the full course of tablets and do not notice any improvements, speak to a doctor. They may increase your dose or try a different medication.

Side Effects
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Aciclovir Side Effects

Like all medication, Aciclovir users may encounter some side effects, with over 1 in 10 people experiencing minor side effects. Usually, these are very mild and go away on their own. Many people take Aciclovir and do not experience any side effects.

If you encounter the following when taking this medication, monitor the symptoms. If they worsen or persist, consult a doctor or pharmacist:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
  • Dizziness
  • Skin sensitivity to sunlight (make sure that you wear plenty of suncream when taking Aciclovir tablets or liquid)

If you experience any of these side effects, take paracetamol, rest, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. If you feel dizzy, do not operate any vehicles or heavy machinery. You may want to avoid driving or riding a bike the first time you take Aciclovir to confirm that you do not experience dizziness as a side effect.

Aciclovir cream rarely causes side effects, with less than 1 in 100 people reporting them. However, the following can occur:

  • Itchy, flaky, or dry skin
  • A stinging or burning sensation after using the cream
  • Hair loss

You can use an unscented moisturiser to treat flaky, dry or itchy skin. Make sure to leave a gap between applying Aciclovir cream and the moisturiser.

Serious side effects of Aciclovir are very rare. However, it can cause anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) in very few people.

If you encounter the following when taking Aciclovir, call 999 or go straight to the hospital:

  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing
  • Throat or chest tightness
  • Difficulty talking
  • Swelling around your face, mouth, tongue, throat, and lips
  • Skin rash - this could be blistered, peeling, itchy, swollen or red

Aciclovir and Other Medicines

Aciclovir can react with other medicines. If you take the following, consult with your doctor before taking Aciclovir:

  • Mycophenolate mofetil, which is taken by people who have had an organ transplant
  • Cimetidine, which is used for stomach ulcers
  • Gout medicine, such as probenecid
  • Asthma medication, for example, aminophylline and theophylline

Aciclovir may react with supplements and herbal remedies, although there has been very little research into this. To stay safe, speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you take any other medications, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

How to Prevent Herpes Flare-ups

Unfortunately, if you have herpes, you cannot cure it entirely. However, you can make some lifestyle changes to avoid situations where it may flare-up.

Take steps to reduce stress in your life. This may be dealing with anxiety or avoiding stress at work. Also, ensure that you get enough sleep and are not overtired. You should also avoid UV light - stay out of the strong sun and refrain from using sunbeds.

Patient Information Leaflet
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Aciclovir Patient Information Leaflet

For more information on Aciclovir medication, take a look at the patient information leaflet below:

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400mg 15 £21.99
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