Compare Zovirax vs. Famvir
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Acyclovir (Zovirax) and famciclovir (Famvir) are both antiviral medications used to treat herpes infections, including cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. Acyclovir is available in multiple forms such as oral pills, buccal tablets, topical creams, and ointments, while Famciclovir is only available as an oral medication. Acyclovir needs to be taken or applied multiple times a day, whereas Famciclovir is typically taken less frequently, with some doses requiring only a single day of treatment. Acyclovir can be used in children as young as 2 years old for chickenpox, but Famciclovir is not recommended for those under 18. Common side effects of acyclovir include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while famciclovir often causes headaches and nausea. Both medications require a prescription and are not available over the counter.
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)Famciclovir
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)Famciclovir
Summary of Zovirax vs. Famvir
Summary for AntiviralPrescription onlyAcyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of shingles, chickenpox, and herpes simplex virus infections (e.g., cold sores, genital herpes). It comes in many different forms, including oral pills that are usually taken 4 to 5 times a day, as well as topical cream or ointment that are typically applied 5 to 6 times a day. Some of the most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (for oral forms), and skin irritation (for topical forms). Acyclovir (Zovirax) is prescription only and not available over the counter.
Summary for AntiviralPrescription onlyFamciclovir is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It works best if it's taken at the first sign of an outbreak.
Indications of Zovirax vs. Famvir
Indications for•Oral capsule, tablet, and suspension:
•Genital herpes•Shingles (herpes zoster)•Chickenpox (varicella) in people 2 years and older•Ointment:
•Genital herpes in adults•HSV infections in adults with a weakened immune system•Cream
•Cold sores (herpes labialis) that keep coming back in people 12 years and olderIndications for•Cold sores (herpes labialis)•Genital herpes•Shingles (herpes zoster)Pros and Cons of Zovirax vs. Famvir
Pros and Const for AntiviralPros•Comes in many different formulations•Can lower your risk of spreading the virus to others•Oral capsules, tablets, and suspension can be taken by children as young as 2 years old for chickenpox•Can shorten how long outbreaks last•Not many interactions with other medicationsCons•Needs to be taken or applied many times a day for treatment•Doesn't cure HSV and VZV infections, only controls the outbreak•Oral forms can cause unpleasant stomach side effects, like nausea and diarrhea•Doesn't completely prevent spreading the virus to others•Not available over the counterPros and Const for AntiviralPros•Can be taken with or without food•Only needs to be taken for one day to treat cold sores and genital herpes in adults without HIV•Works well for most people to shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks•Available as a generic, which can be more affordableCons•Not a cure for HSV and VZV infections; only controls the outbreak•Needs to be taken at the first sign of an outbreak•Unknown if taking famciclovir can lower your risk of transmitting HSV to someone else•Can't be used in people younger than 18 years of ageCommon Side Effects of Zovirax vs. Famvir
Common Side Effects forOral capsules, tablets, and suspension
•Feeling unwell (up to 12%)•Nausea and/or vomiting (up to 5%)•Diarrhea (up to 3%)•Headache (up to 2%)Buccal tablet (Sitavig)
•Headache (3%)•Dizziness (1%)•Low energy (1%)•Pain at application site (1%)•Irritation at application site (1%)•Redness (1%)•Rash (1%)•Application site reaction (5%)•Burning and stinging at application site (30%)Common Side Effects for•Headache (up to 39%)•Nausea (up to 13%)•Diarrhea (up to 9%)•Stomach pain (up to 8%)Warnings of Zovirax vs. Famvir
Common Side Effects for•Blood disorders•Kidney problemsCommon Side Effects for•KIDNEY PROBLEMS•SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONSPrices with our coupons for Zovirax vs. Famvir
Compare other Shingles and Herpes drugs
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.