Genital Herpes treatment Aciclovir
What is Aciclovir?
Aciclovir is an antiviral medication for genital herpes. It works to address flare-ups and can be used as a suppression treatment to prevent recurrence. While there's no cure for herpes, and the virus persists in your body, the use of aciclovir can effectively halt or diminish the unpleasant symptoms associated with it.
For those seeking oral herpes treatment, we recommend using our cold sore products.
What is Aciclovir used to treat?
Aciclovir is primarily used to treat viral infections caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV), including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles (herpes zoster). It may also be used to treat chickenpox.
Who can and cannot take medicines containing Aciclovir?
It is generally safe for adults and children, but the following should be taken into consideration:
Do not take aciclovir tablets and inform your doctor if you:
are allergic to aciclovir or any of the other ingredients in this medication
have moderate to severe kidney problems
are currently taking probenecid (a medicine for gout) or cimetidine (a medicine for stomach ulcers
Take special care with aciclovir tablets if you:
have impaired kidney function
are elderly
have neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders
are experiencing dehydration due to illness or insufficient fluid intake
have a history of kidney problems or are using other medications that may affect kidney function
If you’re taking other medicines:
inform your doctor if you are taking probenecid or cimetidine
be cautious if you are taking medicines that may affect kidney function or cause dehydration
If you’re undergoing tests:
inform your healthcare provider if you are taking aciclovir tablets
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
consult your doctor before taking aciclovir tablets if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
avoid breastfeeding while using aciclovir tablets unless advised otherwise by your doctor
How do I know if I need a preventative course of treatment?
Should you experience over six genital herpes outbreaks within a year or struggle with notably severe symptoms, you may be better with a preventive herpes regimen. This entails taking two 400mg tablets of aciclovir daily for a duration ranging from 6 to 12 months. This proactive approach aims to reduce the likelihood of recurrent outbreaks.
You can take aciclovir tablets on an empty stomach, but it should be accompanied by a glass of water. It's advisable to maintain adequate hydration throughout your treatment to mitigate the risk of dehydration, as aciclovir may pose a risk to the kidneys if dehydration occurs.
Frequently asked questions
Genital herpes medicines
