Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Valacyclovir

(Valtrex)

Get free coupons

Summary for Zovirax

Prescription only

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral topical medication used to treat certain infections caused by the herpes virus, including cold sores on the lips and face, as well as genital herpes. It's FDA approved as a cream for people 12 years and older and as an ointment for adults. You typically apply it 5 to 6 times daily to the affected area. Common side effects include mild skin irritation, burning, or itching at the application site.

Indications for Zovirax

Pros and Cons for Zovirax

Pros

  • Not many interactions with other medications
  • Applied directly to the affected area
  • Typically only used for 4 to 7 days

Cons

  • Must be applied multiple times daily
  • Can cause burning and stinging at the application site
  • Ointment not FDA approved for children

Common Side Effects for Zovirax

Ointment:

  • Burning and stinging at application site (30%)

Cream:

  • Application site reaction (5%)

Warnings for Zovirax

  • For use on the skin only
  • Skin irritation

Summary for Valtrex

Prescription only

Valacyclovir (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 for Valtrex

Pros and Cons for Valtrex

Pros

  • 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 medications

Cons

  • 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 confusion

Common Side Effects for Valtrex

Cold 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 for Valtrex

  • Rare blood clotting problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Agitation, confusion, and other nervous system-related side effects

Prices with our coupons for Zovirax vs. Valtrex

Price Card Drug Icon
Acyclovir30 tablets / 400mg
$12.31$35.66
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Valacyclovir30 tablets / 1g
$21.20$74.75
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Shingles and Herpes drugs

Zovirax vs. AbrevaZovirax vs. DenavirZovirax vs. FamvirZovirax vs. ValtrexAbreva vs. Valtrex

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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