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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 Antiviral
    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.

    Summary for Antiviral
    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 of Zovirax vs. Valtrex

    Indications for
    •Genital herpes in adults - ointment only
    •Herpes infections in adults with a weakened immune system) - ointment only
    •Cold sores that keep coming back in people 12 years and older - cream only
    Indications 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 adults

  • Pros and Cons of Zovirax vs. Valtrex

    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    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
    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    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 of Zovirax vs. Valtrex

    Common Side Effects for

    Ointment:

    •Burning and stinging at application site (30%)

    Cream:

    •Application site reaction (5%)
    Common Side Effects for

    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 of Zovirax vs. Valtrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use on the skin only
    •Skin irritation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Rare blood clotting problems
    •Kidney problems
    •Agitation, confusion, and other nervous system-related side effects

  • Prices with our coupons for Zovirax vs. Valtrex

    Learn more about Acyclovir
    Learn more about Valacyclovir

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