Skip to main content
Acyclovir Coupon - Acyclovir 400mg tablet

acyclovir

Generic Zovirax
Used for Shingles, Chickenpox, Herpes, Cold Sores
Used for Shingles, Chickenpox, Herpes, Cold Sores

Acyclovir is an antiviral oral medication used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus, including shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. It comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid suspension. Depending on your condition, you might need to take it by mouth 2 to 5 times a day. Acyclovir works best when you start it as soon as symptoms begin. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 10, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Acyclovir?

What is Acyclovir used for?

How Acyclovir works

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication, specifically a herpes virus nucleoside analogue. It works by blocking the herpes virus from making new DNA, which stops the virus from multiplying in your body.

Are you looking for information on acyclovir (Zovirax) topical instead?
When does Acyclovir start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBrand no longer available
Drug ClassAntiviral
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Acyclovir essentials

Health: Patient experiences: patient stories feel zovirax featured image

What Does It Feel Like to Take Zovirax for Shingles?

Written by India Kushner
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$23.29(save 54.92%)
GoodRx discount
$10.50
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Acyclovir?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Genital herpes:
  • Nausea/vomiting (3-5%)
  • Diarrhea (2%)
Shingles
  • Feeling unwell (12%)
Chickenpox
  • Diarrhea (3%)

Other Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Pain
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle pain
  • Hives
  • Vision problems

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Mild pain, burning, or stinging

Less common

Itching

Rare

Itching, stinging, or redness of the genital area

skin rash

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Acyclovir

thumbs-up

Pros

Available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms

Safe for children 2 years and older

Can shorten how long outbreaks last

Not many interactions with other medications

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be taken multiple times per day

Can cause unpleasant stomach side effects, like nausea and diarrhea

Not available over the counter

Doesn't cure herpes infection

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Acyclovir

pharmacist

  • Acyclovir works best when you start it as soon as you notice signs of an outbreak or infection. For shingles, take acyclovir within 72 hours of the rash appearing, and for chickenpox, within 24 hours of the rash appearing.

    • Acyclovir needs to be taken several times a day, which can be hard to keep up with. Using a phone alarm or a pill box can help you remember every dose.

      • Finish your full treatment course of acyclovir, even if you feel better. Don’t stop unless your prescriber tells you to.

        • If you're taking acyclovir liquid suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose and only use the measuring device provided by your pharmacist.

          • Drink plenty of water while taking acyclovir. Staying hydrated helps lower the risk of kidney damage.

            • Acyclovir won't cure genital herpes, but it helps shorten outbreaks and speeds healing. Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks and practice safe sex, such as using condoms.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Acyclovir

              How long does acyclovir take to work?
              How long it takes for acyclovir to work depends on the type of infection you have, how severe it is, and how quickly you start treatment. Most of the time, you’ll need to take acyclovir for 5 to 10 days, even if your symptoms start to get better before then. Always finish the full course as prescribed, because stopping too early can make your infection worse.
              Is acyclovir an antibiotic?
              No, acyclovir isn't an antibiotic. It's an antiviral, and only works against the herpes virus. If you have a bacterial infection, you'll need a different medication to treat it.
              Can acyclovir cause yeast infections?
              No, acyclovir doesn’t usually cause yeast infections. If you notice symptoms of a yeast infection while taking this medication, let your prescriber know to make sure nothing else is causing it.
              Can you take acyclovir while pregnant?
              It isn’t known for sure if acyclovir is safe to take during pregnancy because there haven’t been enough well-designed studies in people. But one study looked at over 1,500 babies exposed to acyclovir in the first trimester and found no higher risk of birth defects compared to the rest of the population. If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, talk with your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
              Is acyclovir over the counter?
              No, acyclovir isn't over the counter. It requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.
              Does acyclovir cause diarrhea?
              Yes, acyclovir can commonly cause diarrhea. If your diarrhea doesn’t go away or becomes severe, let your care team know.
              How long does acyclovir stay in your system?
              Acyclovir can stay in your system for 10 to 17 hours after your last dose. This is based on its half-life, which measures how long it takes for half of the medication to leave your body. If you have kidney problems, acyclovir can stay in the body longer, so your prescriber might need to adjust your dose.
              Does acyclovir make you tired?
              Acyclovir doesn't commonly cause tiredness. If you feel very tired or weak while taking this medication, let your prescriber know to make sure it isn’t from another cause.
              GoodRxEducationalIcon

              How to save using GoodRx

              Compare Prices
              1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
              Select your free coupon
              2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
              Show coupon to your pharmacist
              3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
              Get free couponLearn more
              warings-icon

              What are the risks and warnings for Acyclovir?

              Acyclovir can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Kidney problems

              • Risk factors: Older adults | Low fluids in the body | Taking other medications that harm the kidneys

                Acyclovir can sometimes cause serious kidney problems, especially in older adults. Your risk is higher if you get dehydrated or take other medications that can harm the kidneys, like ibuprofen or naproxen. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking acyclovir, and talk to your prescriber before using any other medication, even over-the-counter pain or cold products. Your prescriber might also order lab tests to check your kidney health.

                risk-warning

                Blood clotting problems

                • Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken your immune system

                  It's rare, but some people have had serious blood clotting problems while taking acyclovir. This has mostly been seen in people with a weakened immune system. Your prescriber might order labs to check your blood work while you're taking this medication. Call your prescriber right away if you notice fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, confusion, extreme tiredness, or headaches.

                  dosage

                  Acyclovir dosage forms

                  The average cost for 30 tablets of 400mg of Acyclovir is $10.50 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 54.92% off the average retail price of $23.29.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  400mg30 tablets$10.50$0.35
                  800mg30 tablets$11.40$0.38

                  Typical dosing for Acyclovir

                  Acyclovir is available as a capsule, tablet, and liquid suspension. Your dose will depend on the reason you're taking the medication. In general:

                  • Shingles: The typical dose is 800 mg by mouth every 4 hours (5 times a day) for 7 to 10 days.

                  • Genital herpes:

                    • Treatment for initial infection: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth every 4 hours (5 times a day) for 10 days.

                    • Daily treatment to prevent infections: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth twice a day for up to a year.

                    • As-needed treatment: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth every 4 hours (5 times a day) for 10 days.

                  • Chickenpox:

                    • Adults and children over 40 kg: The typical dose is 800 mg by mouth 4 times a day for 5 days.

                    • Children (2 years and older under 40 kg): The typical dose is 20 mg/kg of body weight by mouth 4 times a day for 5 days.

                  Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Acyclovir and other drugs

                  Acyclovir may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Acyclovir. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Acyclovir cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Zovirax (brand)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $10.50

                  (save 96.87%)
                  Acyclovir (generic)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $10.50

                  (save 54.92%)
                  View prices & coupons
                  contraindications-icon

                  Acyclovir contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Acyclovir will not be safe for you to take.
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Acyclovir?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Acyclovir. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Acyclovir
                  Used for:
                  $10.50 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Famciclovir
                  Used for:

                  • Cold sores (herpes labialis)

                  • Genital herpes

                  • Shingles (herpes zoster)

                  $18.48 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
                  Used for:
                  $18.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  latest news

                  What is the latest news about Acyclovir?

                  Bothersome cold sores can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Learn how to treat cold sores and which medicines may work best for you.

                  Cold Sore Medicines: A Guide to Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Treatments

                  Bothersome cold sores can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Learn how to treat cold sores and which medicines may work best for you.
                  Acyclovir and valacyclovir are antiviral medications that prevent viral DNA replication. How are they different, and which is better for shingles? Find out with GoodRx.

                  Valacyclovir vs. Acyclovir: Which Is Better for Shingles?

                  Acyclovir and valacyclovir are antiviral medications that prevent viral DNA replication. How are they different, and which is better for shingles? Find out with GoodRx.
                  If your partner has herpes, will you definitely get it? Not necessarily. Learn about genital herpes transmission rates and how you can prevent passing the virus.

                  What Are the Chances of Getting Herpes From an Infected Partner?

                  If your partner has herpes, will you definitely get it? Not necessarily. Learn about genital herpes transmission rates and how you can prevent passing the virus.
                  What’s the quickest way to kill a cold sore? Can using salt or Lysine knock it out? Our experts share their go-to treatments and remedies for cold sores.

                  What Are Cold Sores, and How Can You Get Rid of Them? Causes, Treatments, and Pictures

                  What’s the quickest way to kill a cold sore? Can using salt or Lysine knock it out? Our experts share their go-to treatments and remedies for cold sores.
                  The herpes simplex virus is regarded as permanent, but researchers are closer to developing a vaccine (and maybe a cure). See updates on the vaccine progress.

                  Is a Herpes Vaccine Currently In the Works?

                  The herpes simplex virus is regarded as permanent, but researchers are closer to developing a vaccine (and maybe a cure). See updates on the vaccine progress.
                  There’s no cure for shingles. However, there are treatment options to help manage pain, itching, and other symptoms. Here’s what you need to know.

                  How to Treat Shingles: Medication, Pain Relief, Home Remedies and More

                  There’s no cure for shingles. However, there are treatment options to help manage pain, itching, and other symptoms. Here’s what you need to know.
                  Taking the prescription medication Zovirax for shingles can help reduce pain and speed up the healing of sores. Here’s how three people describe what it’s like to take Zovirax.

                  What Does It Feel Like to Take Zovirax for Shingles?

                  Taking the prescription medication Zovirax for shingles can help reduce pain and speed up the healing of sores. Here’s how three people describe what it’s like to take Zovirax.
                  You can treat cold sores (oral herpes) with the right topicals. Explore prescription and over-the-counter herpes creams, including Abreva and Zovirax.

                  Your Guide to Herpes Creams: Over-the-Counter and Prescription

                  You can treat cold sores (oral herpes) with the right topicals. Explore prescription and over-the-counter herpes creams, including Abreva and Zovirax.
                  Meningitis is an infection of the outer lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. If untreated, it can be a serious infection that leads to permanent disability or even death. Learn about the causes of meningitis, symptoms, treatment, and prevention options.

                  What You Need to Know About Meningitis

                  Meningitis is an infection of the outer lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. If untreated, it can be a serious infection that leads to permanent disability or even death. Learn about the causes of meningitis, symptoms, treatment, and prevention options.
                  Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection. But even though more than 1 in 6 people have it, many are hesitant to talk to their providers and partners about it. And this can make it hard to know what to do when you have it. So we will discuss how to treat outbreaks, tips for talking to your sexual partners about genital herpes, and how to prevent transmission.

                  What to Know If You Have Genital Herpes

                  Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection. But even though more than 1 in 6 people have it, many are hesitant to talk to their providers and partners about it. And this can make it hard to know what to do when you have it. So we will discuss how to treat outbreaks, tips for talking to your sexual partners about genital herpes, and how to prevent transmission.
                  images

                  Acyclovir images

                  Acyclovir Coupon - Acyclovir 400mg tablet
                  tablet of acyclovir 400mgAcyclovir Coupon - Acyclovir 400mg tablet
                  Acyclovir Coupon - Acyclovir 800mg tablet
                  tablet of acyclovir 800mgAcyclovir Coupon - Acyclovir 800mg tablet

                  Get savings updates for Acyclovir

                  Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Acyclovir and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                  By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Advagen Pharma Limited. (2024). ACYCLOVIR suspension. DailyMed.

                  Carlsbad Technology, Inc. (2024). ACYCLOVIR capsule. DailyMed.

                  Carlsbad Technology, Inc. (2024). ACYCLOVIR tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  View All References (4)

                  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). How to Treat Chickenpox.

                  Emmert, D.H. (2000). Treatment of common cutaneous herpes simplex virus infections. American Family Physician.

                  Lorenzo, C. S., et al. (2016). Acyclovir crystalluria: A rare secondary effect of a common drug. Pediatrics & Therapeutics.

                  MotherToBaby. (2024). Acyclovir (Zovirax®) | Valacyclovir (Valtrex®).

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                  Was this page helpful?

                  Compare other Shingles, Chickenpox, Herpes, Cold Sores drugs

                  Famciclovir vs ValacyclovirMupirocin vs AcyclovirValacyclovir vs AcyclovirBactrim vs ClindamycinCefdinir vs ClindamycinCephalexin vs ClindamycinClindamycin vs AugmentinClindamycin vs AzithromycinClindamycin vs MetronidazoleClindamycin vs PeroxideClindamycin vs TretinoinClobetasol vs TriamcinoloneClotrimazole vs TriamcinoloneDesonide vs TriamcinoloneErythromycin vs ClindamycinFluocinonide vs TriamcinoloneKetoconazole vs TriamcinoloneMetronidazole vs MupirocinMometasone vs TriamcinoloneMupirocin vs BacitracinMupirocin vs ClindamycinMupirocin vs NeosporinMupirocin vs NystatinMupirocin vs PolysporinMupirocin vs TriamcinoloneNeosporin vs CortisporinNeosporin vs SilvadenePolysporin vs BacitracinSilvadene vs PolysporinTacrolimus vs Triamcinolone
                  View More

                  Browse medications

                  View All

                  Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.