Aciclovir 200mg tablets

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). They often start with tingling, burning or itching around the lips, followed by redness, blisters and crusting. Most outbreaks clear on their own within 7–10 days, even without treatment.

Aciclovir begins working against the virus soon after you take it, but it may take a couple of days before you notice an improvement. When started early in an outbreak, aciclovir can:

– Help cold sores heal faster

– Reduce pain and discomfort

– Shorten the time you have visible blisters

It’s important to complete the full course, even if your symptoms start to improve.

No. Aciclovir treats current outbreaks but does not permanently remove the virus from your body. The virus remains dormant in nerve cells and may flare up again. However, treatment can make outbreaks shorter, less painful and sometimes less frequent.

It depends on the person and the severity of the outbreaks:

– Creams (such as aciclovir cream) are applied directly to the affected area and may help slightly if used very early.

– Tablets work from inside the body and are usually preferred for more severe, frequent or troublesome cold sores, or when cream alone has not been enough.

Your clinician will recommend the most suitable option based on your symptoms and medical history.

For best results, start aciclovir as soon as you notice early warning signs:

– Tingling

– Burning

– Tightness or itching around the lips

You can still take it after blisters appear, but the benefit may be smaller than if treatment is started early.

Like all medicines, aciclovir can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Commonly reported side effects include:

– Headache

– Dizziness

– Feeling or being sick (nausea, vomiting)

– Diarrhoea or stomach pain

– Skin rash or itching

– Increased sensitivity to sunlight

– Tiredness or feeling generally unwell

These are usually mild and short-lived. If any side effects are troublesome or don’t go away, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects are rare, but you should seek urgent medical advice if you notice:

– Signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash)

– Confusion, drowsiness, hallucinations or unusual behaviour

– Signs of kidney problems (such as reduced urine output, blood in the urine, or swelling in the legs or ankles)

If you are ever unsure, seek medical advice immediately.

Aciclovir is sometimes used during pregnancy and breastfeeding when a doctor decides that the benefits outweigh any potential risks. You must tell your prescriber if you are:

– Pregnant

– Trying for a baby

– Breastfeeding

They will review current guidance and your medical history before deciding whether aciclovir is appropriate for you.

Aciclovir can be used in children under medical supervision, but many online pharmacy services only supply aciclovir tablets to adults (18+). If a child has frequent, severe or unusual cold sores, or appears generally unwell, they should be seen by a GP or appropriate healthcare professional.

If you forget a dose:

– Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose.

– If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as normal.

– Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

If you miss several doses and your cold sore is still active, speak to your prescriber for advice.

There is no specific interaction between aciclovir and alcohol. However, if you feel dizzy, tired or unwell while taking aciclovir, alcohol may make this worse. It is sensible to limit or avoid alcohol until you know how the medicine affects you.

There is no strict limit on the number of short courses for otherwise healthy adults, but if you:

– Need treatment very frequently (for example, more than about six times a year), or

– Have almost continuous symptoms

you should speak to a clinician. They may consider longer-term suppressive treatment or investigate possible triggers or underlying issues.

Aciclovir is removed from the body mainly by the kidneys. If you have kidney problems, you may need a lower dose or longer gaps between doses, and you should drink plenty of fluids. In some cases, aciclovir tablets may not be suitable. Always tell the prescriber if you have any history of kidney disease or are taking medicines that affect the kidneys.

Yes. The virus is contagious even if you are taking aciclovir. To reduce the risk of spreading it:

– Avoid kissing or oral contact while you have a cold sore

– Do not share items like lip balm, cutlery, towels or razors

– Wash your hands after touching the affected area

Aciclovir helps manage symptoms but does not completely stop transmission.

You should seek urgent medical advice (for example, via your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services) if:

– Your cold sores are very severe, spreading quickly, or not improving

– You develop a high fever, difficulty swallowing, or severe mouth pain

– You have a weakened immune system (e.g. due to chemotherapy, HIV, high-dose steroids or certain medicines) and develop cold sores

– You experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction or other severe side effects after taking aciclovir