Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus. It is also used as a suppression therapy for herpes virus infections. Aciclovir medication can be taken orally in form of tablets or acyclovir suspension or applied topically. Not all forms of Aciclovir medicine are available over-the-counter.
Let’s discuss more about the accessibility of Aciclovir antiviral tablets over the counter.
Vital Things You Must Know About The Antiviral Medication Aciclovir
Aciclovir medicine is widely used for the treatment of herpes infections and other viral infections including genital herpes (HSV), cold sores (HSV), shingles (herpes zoster), and shingles (varicella zoster virus).
Acyclovir is also the same medication with different spellings generally used in the United States. Aciclovir is sold under different brand names but all of these contain the same active ingredient. This medicine is sometimes also used for treating Bell’s palsy.
Before Taking Aciclovir Tablets
Acyclovir antiviral treatments have been broadly tested and used by numerous patients with certain viral infections. It has minor to no side effects on most patients. Aciclovir tablets come with a patient information leaflet and make sure you read it before using.
However, make sure you talk to the prescribing doctor before taking Aciclovir if you have or had kidney problems, are allergic to Aciclovir or other medications, pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a weak immune system.
The exact dosage of Aciclovir tablets depends on whether you are experiencing herpes symptoms at the moment or you are under treatment to prevent recurrent genital herpes outbreaks.
Aciclovir tablets can interact with certain prescription medicines including probenecid prescribed to treat gout and cimetidine prescribed to treat acid indigestion and peptic ulcers.
When taking Aciclovir, it is vital to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water to avoid kidney problems and minimize the chances of potential side effects.
How Does Aciclovir Work?
Antiviral treatment can effectively suppress the infection during an outbreak and prevent the majority of herpes outbreaks. However, it may not clear the infection completely from your body.
Aciclovir medication contains the active ingredient Aciclovir and additional ingredients may include magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycollate, lactose, or colloidal anhydrous silica. Acyclovir medicine’s effect drastically reduces the symptoms’ duration and severity.
Aciclovir works by averting the virus from reproducing and preventing the virus from spreading. It allows the medication to aid the natural defense system of the body and attack the virus.
Herpes infections can be easily transmitted to others during an outbreak, so it is better to avoid sex while you have an outbreak and always use barrier protection while having sex.
Aciclovir Medication Against Herpes Simplex Virus
Aciclovir belongs to the antivirals group of medications and is used to treat certain viral infections including herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus. Aciclovir is significantly helpful in treating infections caused by HSV type 1 and type 2 which cause genital herpes and cold sores.
Aciclovir tablets do not actually kill the herpes simplex virus however avert the herpes simplex virus from replicating, allowing the immune system to suppress the herpes infection effectively throughout the treatment.
Aciclovir For Cold Sore Treatment
You should start the treatment promptly as cold sores symptoms appear. The earliest cold sore symptoms include tingling and itching sensation around the lip. Your doctor may prescribe you Aciclovir cream Zovirax or an ointment containing the active ingredient in order to treat cold sores.
Symptoms begin to improve within 48 hours after you begin with the Aciclovir treatment, however, it may take longer depending on the extent of the infection and how early you start the treatment.
Some common side effects of Acyclovir cream include flaky skin, dry or chapped lips, redness, burning sensation, or swelling. Seek immediate medical help in case you notice severe side effects including rash, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling around the face, eyes, lips, or throat.
Most HSV carriers may never experience symptoms at all at the same time others may experience frequent herpes outbreaks. Usually, cold sores occur once a year however you may also get a herpes outbreak very often.
Your doctor can also use oral acyclovir as a suppression treatment to help suppress the cold sore symptoms and avoid future outbreaks.
How To Use Aciclovir Topical Cream for Cold Sores
Wash your hands before touching or applying cream to the affected area. Spread a thin layer of cream in the infected area 5 times a day maintaining a gap of 4 hours between each application. Mostly you need to apply the cream for 5 to 7 days.
Aciclovir To Treat Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by both HSV 1 and HSV 2 and is extremely uncomfortable and irritating. The symptoms include itching and blisters in the genital and anal areas. Genital herpes is spread by bodily fluids and sexual contact.
If you are tired of its annoying symptoms, acyclovir for genital herpes treatment can work tremendously. Aciclovir tablets work swiftly to avert the virus growth making you free from blisters, crusting, and irritation.
It is highly important to take acyclovir promptly as you notice symptoms. Usually, the doctor prescribes Aciclovir 200 mg or 400 mg tablets or acyclovir oral suspension 200 mg to treat genital herpes.
Health care professionals suggest, beginning with the Aciclovir treatment immediable as you notice the symptoms within 48 hours for a swift recovery. Mostly 200 mg Aciclovir antiviral tablet is prescribed to take 5 times a day for 5 days. You should keep a 4-hour gap between each dose.
Genital herpes outbreaks have a high recurrence rate. A study revealed that 38% of patients have an average of 6 outbreaks in a year. Usually, Aciclovir suppression therapy works better for people who experience genital herpes frequently.
To suppress genital herpes outbreak, your doctor may prescribe taking Aciclovir 200 mg 4 times a day (maintaining 4 hours gap between each dose) or Aciclovir 400 mg twice a day (with 12 hours gap between both doses).
In case of a first genital herpes outbreak or if your immune system is very weak, your doctor may also prescribe Acyclovir cream or ointment to treat blisters in addition to Aciclovir tablets.
Can I Buy Acyclovir Over The Counter?
Aciclovir is a prescription medication accessible as a prescription only treatment. If you are suffering from a herpes breakout and you wish to heal as rapidly as possible, though some treatments are accessible over the counter, others demand a prescription.
You can not buy Aciclovir tablets over the counter as these are only available on prescription. In some countries, Aciclovir topical cream for cold sores can be bought over the counter. Acyclovir cream sold under the Zovirax brand is accessible to buy over the counter in the European Union.
In the US you can not buy Aciclovir cream or ointment over the counter. Abreva is the only topical treatment available over the counter that contains docosanol 10% as its active ingredient.
Just like any other prescription medications, Acyclovir cream and ointments (5%), Acyclovir tablets and capsules (200mg and 400 mg), and Aciclovir suspension (200 mg) need a prescription from a licensed doctor or an online consultation.
How To Get An Acyclovir Prescription?
You can simply make an appointment with a healthcare provider to get your acyclovir prescription. In the case of the first herpes outbreak, you should check with a doctor to make sure you have the correct diagnosis.
Alternatively, you can book your appointment with an online health assessment with a medical advisor at any online pharmacy. It’s an easy way to purchase acyclovir in order to manage recurring symptoms or further outbreaks in the long term.
You would not require a doctor’s prescription to buy Acyclovir online. Your online pharmacist will help you decide the best course of treatment. You can get discreet and next day delivery of your medication at your home in just a few steps.
Can I Buy Aciclovir Online?
You can buy Aciclovir online and save time through an online consultation. Many online pharmacies deliver acyclovir 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg to the doorstep. All you need to do to avail yourself of the online medicine delivery service is to complete a confidential online consultation process.
It is reviewed by the registered doctors of the online pharmacy. Once they found you suitable for the acyclovir treatment your requested medication will be dispatched with next day delivery.
How To Buy Aciclovir Online
You can conveniently buy Aciclovir tablets from any UK-registered online pharmacy. This service is available for those who have been diagnosed with genital herpes or other herpes infections previously and need herpes treatment or suppression therapy.
You do not need a prescription for this, however, you need to complete an online assessment so that the online doctors can make sure this medicine is appropriate for you. After that, they issue a prescription to the pharmacy and they dispense and dispatch your Aciclovir medication.
Possible Side Effects Of Aciclovir Tablets
Common side effects of oral acyclovir, when prescribed for genital herpes outbreaks or other viral infections, include headaches, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
Serious side effects of Aciclovir medication include shortness of breath, chest tightness, rash or hives, and swelling on the face, eyes, mouth, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these severe side effects after taking Aciclovir seek urgent medical attention immediately.
