| Drug | Dosage | Cost per episode* |
|---|---|---|
| Acyclovir (Zovirax) | 200 mg 5 times daily for 5 days | $32 (24–27) |
| 800 mg twice daily for 5 days | 49 (36–40) | |
| Famciclovir (Famvir) | 125 mg twice daily for 5 days | 28 |
| Valacyclovir (Valtrex) | 500 mg twice daily for 5 days | 30 |
How much acyclovir should I take for herpes outbreak?
For prevention of recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes infections: Adults and children 12 years of age and older—200 to 400 mg two to five times a day for five days or up to twelve months, depending on how often your outbreaks of infection occur.
How long does acyclovir take to work for herpes?
Acyclovir begins to work within 24 to 48 hours after you start taking it. It may take four or five days for symptoms to reduce, but you should continue consuming the medication until the prescribed course is complete.
Does acyclovir heal herpes faster?
Acyclovir is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections. Although acyclovir will not cure herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores (if any) heal faster. Acyclovir may also be used for other virus infections as determined by your doctor.
Can I take 3 acyclovir a day?
The usual dose is 20 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, taken three times a day for 5 days. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg three times a day.
Are you still contagious after taking acyclovir?
If you are taking acyclovir for genital herpes, it will not prevent you from passing the infection to your sexual partner.
How long do herpes sores take to heal?
Symptoms of Herpes The blisters open and become sores. The sores turn crusty and heal slowly over 1 to 2 weeks. By 3 weeks, the sores have completely healed without leaving a scar. Sometimes flu-like symptoms, such as swollen glands, headache, body aches and fever also develop.
How do you fully cure herpes?
There is no cure for genital herpes. However, daily use of antiviral medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks. Antiviral medicines also can reduce the chance of spreading it to others.
How long is suppressive therapy for herpes?
If you have symptoms such as sores when you're first diagnosed with genital herpes, your doctor will usually give you a brief course (seven to 10 days) of antiviral therapy to relieve them or prevent them from getting worse. Your doctor may keep you on the drugs longer if the sores don't heal in that time.
How long after herpes outbreak is it still contagious?
Wait until seven days after the sore heals. The virus can spread from sores not covered by the condom. It can also spread in sweat or vaginal fluids to places the condom doesn't cover. 2.
How long should I take aciclovir for?
For treating a viral infection, you'll usually take aciclovir for 5 to 10 days. For prevention, you may need to take it for a long time. Tablets: swallow the tablets whole with some water.
How much acyclovir is too much?
If you take more Aciclovir Tablets than you should Aciclovir 800 mg Tablets are not usually harmful, unless you take too much over several days. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you take too much Aciclovir 800 mg Tablets.
How much acyclovir should I take for suppression?
Suppressive antiviral therapy does not delay HIV disease progression and is not associated with decreased risk for HIV-related inflammation among persons taking ART (506). For severe HSV disease, initiating therapy with acyclovir 5–10 mg/kg IV every 8 hours might be necessary.
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex - Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host
Treatment of First Episode of Genital Herpes:200 mg orally every 4 hours 5 times a day for 10 days (manufacturer dosing)400 mg orally 3 times a day...
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex - Mucocutaneous/Immunocompromised Host
Concomitant HIV infection:-Treatment of First Episode of Genital Herpes:400 mg orally 3 times a day for 5 to 10 days (guideline recommendation)Dura...
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex Encephalitis
10 mg/kg IV every 8 hoursDuration of therapy: 10 days (manufacturer); 21 days (CDC)Comments:-The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) re...
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Zoster
800 mg orally every 4 hours 5 times a day for 7 to 10 daysImmunocompromised host:10 mg/kg IV every 8 hours for 7 daysConcomitant HIV infection:-Loc...
Usual Adult Dose For Varicella-Zoster
Immunocompetent Host: 800 mg orally 4 times a day for 5 daysImmunocompromised Host: 10 mg/kg IV every 8 hours for 7 daysHIV-Infected Adults:-Uncomp...
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex Labialis
Immunocompetent host:Apply 50 mg (1 buccal tablet) as a single-dose to the upper gum region (canine fossa)Comments:-Tablet should be applied within...
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex - Suppression
Daily Suppressive Therapy for Recurrent Disease: 400 mg orally 2 times a day-Alternative regimens from 200 mg orally 3 times a day to 200 mg orally...
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Zoster - Prophylaxis
HIV-Infected Adults (guideline dosing):-Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: 800 mg orally 5 times a day for 5 to 7 days; begin 7 to 10 days after exposureCo...
Usual Pediatric Dose For Herpes Simplex - Congenital
Neonatal Herpes:Birth to 3 months: 10 mg/kg IV every 8 hours for 10 days (manufacturer dosing)Birth to 3 months: 20 mg/kg IV every 8 hours (CDC rec...
Usual Pediatric Dose For Herpes Simplex - Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host
Treatment of First Episode of Genital Herpes:Less than 12 years: 40 to 80 mg/kg/day orally in divided doses 3 to 4 times a day for 5 to 10 daysMaxi...
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex). You should not take acyclovir buccal tablets (Sitavig...
How Should I Take Acyclovir?
Take acyclovir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or small...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms may include agitation, seizure (convulsions), or...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Acyclovir?
Avoid brushing your teeth, chewing gum, or wearing an upper denture while you have a buccal tablet in your mouth. You may rinse your mouth gently....
What Other Drugs Will Affect Acyclovir?
Acyclovir can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: probenecid, antivirals, chemotherap...