Compare Zovirax vs. Valtrex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Acyclovir (Zovirax) and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are both antiviral medications used to treat infections caused by the herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus, such as cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. Acyclovir is available in various forms, including oral pills, buccal tablets, topical creams, and ointments, while valacyclovir is only available as an oral tablet. Acyclovir needs to be taken more frequently, up to 5 times a day, whereas valacyclovir is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day, making valacyclovir more convenient. Valacyclovir is converted into acyclovir in your body, so they work similarly. Both medications are prescription-only and do not cure herpes but help manage outbreaks. Common side effects for acyclovir include nausea and skin irritation, while valacyclovir can cause headaches and stomach pain.
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
Summary of Zovirax vs. Valtrex
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 onlyValacyclovir (Valtrex) is an antiviral medication used for treating infections caused by herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus, such as cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles, and chickenpox. It's available as a tablet. But it can be made by a compounding pharmacy into a suspension for people having trouble swallowing the tablets. Some more side effects of valacyclovir (Valtrex) include headache, nausea, and stomach pain.
Indications of Zovirax vs. Valtrex
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•Chickenpox (varicella) in children ages 2 to 17 years old•Cold sores in people age 12 years and older•Genital herpes in adults•Shingles (herpes zoster) in adultsPros and Cons of Zovirax vs. Valtrex
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•Available as a lower-cost generic•Can be used in adults and children for cold sores•Can be made into an oral liquid by the pharmacy for people having trouble swallowing the tablets•Not many interactions with other medicationsCons•Doesn't cure viral infections•Still have risk of future outbreaks•Only works well if taken at the first signs of infection•Older adults at higher risk for some side effects, such as agitation or confusionCommon Side Effects of Zovirax vs. Valtrex
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 forCold sores
•Headaches (up to 17%)Genital herpes
•Headaches (up to 38%)•Nausea (up to 11%)•Stomach pain (up to 11%)Shingles
•Nausea (up to 15%)•Headaches (up to 14%)Chickenpox
•Diarrhea (5%)•Fever (4%)Warnings of Zovirax vs. Valtrex
Common Side Effects for•Blood disorders•Kidney problemsCommon Side Effects for•Rare blood clotting problems•Kidney problems•Agitation, confusion, and other nervous system-related side effectsPrices with our coupons for Zovirax vs. Valtrex
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