Acyclovir is an antiviral drug prescribed to treat all types of herpes infections. It is used to minimise the severity, and to reduce the duration of an outbreak, but it does not cure the virus.

The multiplication of the virus is inhibited when treated with Acyclovir, and it works by blocking enzyme action within the host cell, this prevents the virus from spreading to other cells, and it also speeds recovery.

The earlier treatment commences, the chance of minimising the effects of an outbreak is improved. The herpes virus spreads at a tremendous rate, and by the time symptoms appear, the virus has already phenomenally multiplied.

Acyclovir is usually prescribed in ointment form for topical application. It is sometimes prescribed in tablet and liquid form and can be administered as an injection in the treatment of severe cases of genital herpes, and it also relieves pain and itching. Those with impaired kidney function carry a risk of the formation of crystals in the kidneys when receiving Acyclovir in injection form. Acyclovir is also manufactured as an eye ointment, and this is prescribed to treat herpes infections of the cornea.

Oral forms and topical preparations are normally prescribed to be taken four to five times daily. When used to treat an existing outbreak the dosage required for tablets and liquid is usually 1g daily. When prescribed to prevent an outbreak the dosage is normally 800mg daily, however occasionally this can increase to 1.6g daily. The onset of effect of Acyclovir usually takes place within twenty four hours and the duration of action lasts for up to eight hours.

During pregnancy topical preparations of Acyclovir carry no known risk, but oral and injectable forms are not normally prescribed, this is because there may be a risk of adverse effects on the foetus. Topical forms are safe when breast feeding, but the other varieties may be harmful to the baby.

Possible Side Effects of Topical Preparations

Burning

Stinging

Itching

Rash

Possible Side Effects of Oral Forms

Nausea

Vomiting

Headache

Dizziness

Possible Side Effects of Injections

Blood in Urine

Confusion

Hallucinations

Acyclovir should be stopped if a rash emerges, and if blood appears in the urine, or if confusion and hallucinations are experienced. In all of these cases the problem should be discussed with a doctor at the earliest opportunity.

If Acyclovir is taken orally or by injection in conjunction with the drug known as Probenecid (prescribed for the treatment of gout), then the blood levels of Acyclovir will increase.

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