Aciclovir Medications

Aciclovir is an antiviral medication that treats infections from herpes viruses, including cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles, by blocking viral DNA production.

Aciclovir

$0.57 per pill

200 | 400 | 800mg

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About Aciclovir

Aciclovir is a synthetic analogue of the nucleoside guanosine that targets viruses of the herpes family. It is approved for treating oral and genital herpes, shingles, chickenpox, and severe infections such as herpes simplex encephalitis. The drug belongs to the antiviral class of nucleoside-type agents and works by disrupting viral DNA synthesis. Branded products such as Zovirax are widely recognised, while generic tablets, creams, and injectables provide affordable options. In addition to its primary uses, clinicians sometimes employ aciclovir for off-label prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients, although these applications are not formally endorsed by regulatory agencies.

What is Aciclovir?

Aciclovir is classified as a nucleoside analogue antiviral. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) first listed it in 1995 for the treatment of herpes simplex infections, and subsequent amendments expanded its indication to varicella-zoster disease in 2002. The drug’s core activity centres on viral thymidine kinase, an enzyme that phosphorylates aciclovir to its monophosphate form. Cellular kinases then add two additional phosphates, creating aciclovir-triphosphate, which selectively inhibits viral DNA polymerase and halts chain elongation. Because human DNA polymerases bind the triphosphate with far lower affinity, the compound exhibits a high therapeutic index.

Both branded preparations (e.g., Zovirax cream, Zovirax tablets) and generic equivalents are supplied through our online pharmacy, ensuring that Australian patients can obtain the medication without navigating costly supply chains.

How Aciclovir Works

Mechanism of Action

After oral, topical, or intravenous administration, aciclovir is converted by viral thymidine kinase into aciclovir-monophosphate. Host enzymes complete the conversion to aciclovir-triphosphate, which mimics deoxy-guanosine-triphosphate. The analogue becomes incorporated into the nascent viral DNA strand, where it lacks a 3’-hydroxyl group, causing premature chain termination. This selective inhibition curtails viral replication while sparing human cells.

Therapeutic Effects

By arresting viral DNA synthesis, aciclovir reduces lesion formation, speeds ulcer healing, and diminishes viral shedding. In shingles, the drug shortens the duration of pain and rash, while in neonatal herpes it lowers mortality and neurologic sequelae when started promptly.

Onset and Duration

Oral tablets reach peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours; topical creams achieve measurable skin levels within 30 minutes. Clinical improvement in cold-sore lesions typically appears after 24-48 hours, whereas systemic therapy for shingles may require up to 5 days before noticeable pain relief. The drug’s plasma half-life is about 2.5-3 hours in healthy adults, extending to 5 hours in patients with renal impairment, which guides dosing intervals.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Herpes simplex labialis (cold sores) - topical or oral formulations reduce lesion duration.
Genital herpes (HSV-2) - oral aciclovir suppresses recurrences and accelerates healing of active outbreaks.
Herpes zoster (shingles) - oral tablets lessen acute pain and prevent post-herpetic neuralgia.
Varicella (chickenpox) - pediatric dosing curtails disease severity when administered early.
Herpes simplex encephalitis - intravenous therapy is a cornerstone of emergency treatment.
Neonatal HSV infection - high-dose IV regimens improve survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

All indications are supported by the TGA and reflected in the Australian Medicines Handbook.

Off-Label Uses

Aciclovir is sometimes employed for prophylaxis in bone-marrow transplant recipients or patients receiving high-dose steroids, based on clinical studies that demonstrated reduced viral reactivation rates. These practices remain off-label, meaning they are not formally endorsed by the TGA.

Clinical Efficacy

A pivotal randomized trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine reported that oral aciclovir reduced the mean duration of genital herpes lesions from 7. to 4.5 days (p < .001). In a multicenter study of shingles, patients receiving aciclovir experienced a 30 % faster resolution of rash compared with placebo (Lancet, 2003). Intravenous regimens for encephalitis achieve viral clearance in >90 % of cases when treatment begins within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Buying Aciclovir from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to antiviral agents can be hampered by regional stock shortages or limited pharmacy hours. Our online pharmacy connects Australian residents with licensed suppliers, offering a discreet, streamlined ordering process that guards personal privacy.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Zovirax® Cream (5 %) - topical treatment for cold sores.
Zovirax® Tablets (200 mg, 400 mg) - systemic therapy for genital herpes and shingles.
Aciclovir Injection (250 mg/5 mL) - hospital-level intravenous use.
Generic Aciclovir - identical active ingredient, typically 20-30 % lower in price.

Quality & Safety

We facilitate transactions through verified partners that operate under the oversight of the TGA and WHO-prequalified manufacturers, ensuring each batch meets strict potency and purity standards.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing starts at AU$12 for a 30-tablet supply of generic 400 mg tablets, with a “Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders” for registered customers. Bulk purchases of the topical cream also qualify for volume-based savings.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via standard postal service (3-4 weeks) or express courier (≈7 days). Packaging is unmarked, featuring only a generic label and a tracking number to protect confidentiality.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Tablets: 200 mg and 400 mg immediate-release.
Cream: 5 % (w/w) topical preparation.
Injectable: 250 mg/5 mL solution for IV infusion.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adult genital herpes, clinicians often initiate therapy with 400 mg orally three times daily for 5-10 days. Shingles treatment usually involves 800 mg five times daily for 7-10 days. Pediatric varicella dosing follows weight-based guidelines, commonly 20 mg/kg/day divided into four doses. Intravenous regimens for severe infections range from 10 mg/kg every 8 hours to 15 mg/kg every 12 hours, adjusted for renal function.

Administration Guidelines

Oral tablets should be taken with a full glass of water; food does not markedly affect absorption, though taking the drug with meals can lessen gastrointestinal discomfort. Topical cream is applied thinly to the affected area five times daily until lesions crust. Intravenous infusion must be diluted in compatible fluids and administered over one hour to reduce nephrotoxic risk.

A qualified healthcare provider must tailor the exact dose to individual factors such as kidney function, age, and concomitant medications.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Headache - reported in up to 15 % of oral-therapy participants.
Nausea - observed in 10-12 % of patients, often transient.
Diarrhea - occurs in roughly 8 % of treated individuals.
Mild rash - noted in 5-7 % of users, usually self-limited.

Serious Adverse Events

Renal impairment can arise from crystalline precipitation in the renal tubules, particularly with high-dose IV therapy. Early signs include rising serum creatinine and reduced urine output; prompt hydration and dose adjustment mitigate damage. Rare neurotoxic reactions-confusion, hallucinations, or seizures-have been documented in patients with severe renal failure or when plasma levels exceed therapeutic thresholds.

Contraindications

Known hypers to aciclovir or valacyclovir.
Severe renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance < 10 mL/min) without dose modification.

Drug Interactions

Cimetidine and probenecid can increase aciclovir plasma concentrations by decreasing renal clearance; dosage reductions may be required.
Concurrent use of nephrotoxic agents such as aminoglycosides heightens the risk of kidney injury.
Mycophenolate and cyclosporine may augment viral replication if aciclovir exposure is insufficient, necessitating therapeutic drug monitoring in transplant recipients.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category B2 in Australia; animal studies show no fetal harm, but human data limited, so use only if benefits outweigh risks.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts appear in breast milk; generally considered compatible, but monitor infant for rash or GI upset.
Elderly: Reduced renal clearance warrants dose interval extension; monitor for confusion or dizziness.
Renal impairment: Dose adjustments based on creatinine clearance are essential to avoid toxicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does aciclovir differ from valacyclovir? Valacyclovir is a pro-drug that converts to aciclovir once absorbed, resulting in higher bioavailability and less frequent dosing. Both share the same active metabolite and antiviral spectrum.
How long before aciclovir produces noticeable effects for genital herpes? Most patients report reduced lesion pain within 24 hours and visible healing after 48-72 hours when the drug is started at the first sign of an outbreak.
What should I do if I experience a persistent headache while taking aciclovir? Document the intensity and duration, stay hydrated, and contact a healthcare professional if the headache worsens or is accompanied by visual changes.
Can I take aciclovir with my usual multivitamin? No known interaction exists between standard multivitamins and aciclovir; however, mineral supplements containing zinc or manganese may modestly affect absorption if taken simultaneously.
Does food affect the absorption of aciclovir tablets? Food has a minimal impact; taking the tablet with or without meals is acceptable, though a meal can reduce occasional stomach upset.
Is it safe to use aciclovir cream on children under 12? The topical formulation is approved for patients aged 2 years and older. For younger children, a physician should evaluate the need and dosing.
How long can I stay on oral aciclovir for shingles prevention? Prophylactic regimens typically last 7-10 days, matching the acute phase of the infection; extended use is reserved for immunocompromised individuals under specialist supervision.
What are the signs of aciclovir-induced kidney problems? Reduced urine output, swelling of the ankles, or a sudden rise in serum creatinine are warning signals that require immediate medical review.
Can aciclovir be used during a COVID-19 infection? There is no direct interaction, but clinicians may adjust dosing if renal function is compromised by the viral illness.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing aciclovir?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of kidney disease or recent changes in renal function.
- Details of past herpes outbreaks, frequency, and severity.
- Any known drug allergies or previous adverse reactions to antivirals.

Disclaimer

The information provided about aciclovir is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing aciclovir for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing aciclovir.