Generic Aciclovir

Introduction

Aciclovir is an antiviral agent used primarily to treat infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The medication is supplied as oral tablets in strengths of 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg. It belongs to the nucleoside analogue class of antivirals. In addition to its approved uses for genital herpes, cold-sores, shingles, and herpes-encephalitis, clinicians sometimes employ Aciclovir for other viral conditions under strict medical supervision.

What is Aciclovir?

Aciclovir is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound Aciclovir. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. The drug was first synthesized in the s by researchers at Burroughs Wellcome (now part of GSK). It is marketed under various brand names such as Zovirax, Aciclovir Cryst, and Herpesin in different countries. The tablets are produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers that follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

How Aciclovir Works

Aciclovir is a synthetic analogue of the nucleoside guanosine. After oral absorption, it is phosphorylated by a virus-specific thymidine kinase (TK) present in HSV- and VZV-infected cells. This first phosphorylation step is the key selectivity factor; uninfected cells lack the viral TK and therefore convert only minimal amounts of the drug. The monophosphate is then converted by cellular enzymes to the active triphosphate form. Aciclovir-triphosphate competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase and becomes incorporated into the growing viral DNA chain, causing premature chain termination. As a result, viral replication is halted while host cell DNA synthesis remains largely unaffected. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1-2 hours after dosing, and the drug is eliminated primarily by renal excretion with a half-life of 2.5-3 hours in individuals with normal kidney function.

Conditions Treated with Aciclovir

• Genital herpes (first-episode and recurrent) - 400 mg five times daily for 5-10 days (first episode) or 200 mg five times daily for recurrent outbreaks. The drug reduces lesion healing time, pain, and viral shedding.
• Oral herpes (cold-sores) - 200 mg five times daily for 5 days. Early treatment shortens ulcer duration and discomfort.
• Shingles (herpes zoster) - 800 mg five times daily for 7-10 days. Prompt therapy lessens acute pain and lowers the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia.
• Herpes simplex encephalitis - 10 mg/kg intravenously every 8 hours for 14-21 days (approved for IV formulation). Oral Aciclovir is not indicated for this severe condition, but the oral tablet is listed here to clarify the distinction.
• Varicella (chickenpox) in immunocompromised adults - 800 mg five times daily for 5 days. Early therapy reduces disease severity and complications.

These indications are approved by major regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Aciclovir

• Prophylaxis of HSV reactivation in transplant recipients - Clinical trials have shown that low-dose oral Aciclovir (200 mg twice daily) can decrease the incidence of HSV lesions in bone-marrow and solid-organ transplant patients. This use is not formally approved, and benefits must be weighed against renal toxicity risks.
• Suppression of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) replication in infectious mononucleosis - Small case series suggest modest reductions in viral load, but robust randomized data are lacking.
• Adjunctive therapy for cutaneous herpes-associated erythema multiforme - Some dermatology guidelines mention off-label Aciclovir to limit lesion spread, though evidence is limited to observational reports.
• Treatment of herpes-related ocular disease (e.g., keratitis) when topical formulations are unavailable - Systemic Aciclovir may be used under specialist supervision; it is not a first-line recommendation in most ophthalmic guidelines.

All off-label applications should be undertaken only under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Is Aciclovir the Right Medication for You?

Aciclovir is most appropriate for adults with confirmed or clinically suspected HSV or VZV infections who require systemic therapy. It is especially valuable when lesions are extensive, involve mucosal surfaces, or when rapid viral control is clinically important (e.g., in immunocompromised patients).

Contraindications include:

• Known hypersensitivity to Aciclovir or any tablet excipients (e.g., lactose, magnesium stearate).
• Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 10 mL/min) without dose adjustment.

Patients with mild to moderate renal dysfunction should receive dose reductions, and those on dialysis may need supplemental dosing after each session. Pregnant or lactating women should discuss risks with their provider; available data indicate no major teratogenic effect, but use is advised only when benefits outweigh potential risks.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache
• Nausea or mild gastrointestinal upset
• Fatigue

Rare

• Erythematous rash (including mild maculopapular eruptions)
• Transient elevation of liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
• Neutropenia (usually reversible upon discontinuation)

Serious

• Acute renal failure, especially in patients receiving high intravenous doses, concomitant nephrotoxic drugs, or who are dehydrated.
• Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Central nervous system toxicity (e.g., agitation, confusion, seizures) in patients with renal impairment or high plasma levels.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Probenecid - Decreases renal clearance, raising Aciclovir plasma concentrations; dose reduction may be required.
• Cimetidine - May increase Aciclovir levels by reducing tubular secretion.
• Nephrotoxic agents (e.g., aminoglycosides, NSAIDs) - Concurrent use can potentiate renal toxicity; monitor renal function closely.
• Other antivirals (e.g., valacyclovir, famciclovir) - No clinically relevant interaction, but combined use is rarely necessary.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Food does not significantly affect Aciclovir absorption; tablets may be taken with or without meals.
• Alcohol does not alter pharmacokinetics but may exacerbate CNS side effects in susceptible individuals.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard oral dosing (adults)

Doses should be spaced evenly (approximately every 4 hours) to maintain therapeutic plasma concentrations.

Missed doseIf a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered unless it is already close to the time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Do not double-dose to compensate.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or renal impairment. Immediate medical evaluation is advised. Management is primarily supportive, with attention to hydration and renal function. Activated charcoal is not routinely required because Aciclovir is rapidly absorbed.

Practical precautions

• Maintain adequate fluid intake (≥ 2 L/day) unless contraindicated, to reduce renal toxicity.
• Avoid concomitant use of other nephrotoxic drugs without physician oversight.
• Do not operate heavy machinery or drive if you experience dizziness or visual disturbances.

FAQ

• What should I do with Aciclovir tablets while traveling abroad? • Keep the medication in its original packaging, protected from excessive heat and moisture. A portable pill case lined with a moisture-absorbing packet can help maintain stability during long flights or stays in humid climates.

• Can Aciclovir tablets be crushed or split for easier swallowing? • The tablets are scored, allowing them to be split accurately. Crushing is generally acceptable but may accelerate absorption; discuss with a pharmacist if you have concerns about dose precision.

• Are there any excipients in Aciclovir tablets that could cause allergies? • Common inactive ingredients include lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. Patients with lactose intolerance usually tolerate the small amount present, but those with documented hypersensitivity should verify the exact formulation with the supplier.

• How long can I store Aciclovir at room temperature? • Tablets remain stable for up to 24 months when stored in a dry place below 30 °C (86 °F). Protect them from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent degradation.

• Does Aciclovir affect standard drug-testing panels? • Aciclovir is not a prohibited substance and does not appear on typical employment or sports drug-screen panels. However, some specialized virology assays may detect its metabolites; this is rarely relevant outside research settings.

• Can I take Aciclovir while on a ketogenic diet? • No direct interaction has been identified between Aciclovir and high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets. Nonetheless, the ketogenic diet can alter renal clearance in some individuals, so routine monitoring of kidney function is prudent if the diet is prolonged.

• What is the difference between brand-name Zovirax and generic Aciclovir? • Both contain the same active molecule and are bioequivalent. Differences lie in inactive ingredients, packaging, and price. Generic Aciclovir offers the same therapeutic effect at a lower cost.

• Is Aciclovir safe for patients with hepatitis B or C? • Liver function tests may show mild, reversible elevations during therapy, but Aciclovir is not hepatotoxic. Patients with chronic viral hepatitis should have baseline liver enzymes checked and be monitored if prolonged treatment is needed.

• How does renal impairment alter Aciclovir dosing? • For creatinine clearance 10-50 mL/min, the dose interval should be extended (e.g., every 8 hours instead of every 4 hours). In severe impairment (< 10 mL/min), dosing may be reduced to 200 mg once daily, but specialist input is essential.

• Can Aciclovir be used to prevent shingles after a stressful event? • Prophylactic use for stress-induced shingles is not an approved indication. Evidence supports vaccination (e.g., Shingrix) as the primary preventive measure; antimicrobial prophylaxis should only be considered under strict medical guidance.

Glossary

Viral thymidine kinase

An enzyme produced by certain viruses (e.g., HSV, VZV) that adds a phosphate group to nucleoside analogues like Aciclovir, enabling selective activation inside infected cells.

Bioequivalence

A regulatory term indicating that two drug products (generic and brand-name) deliver the same amount of active ingredient to the bloodstream at a comparable rate and extent.

Post-herpetic neuralgia

Persistent nerve pain that can last months or years after shingles lesions have healed, representing a common complication of VZV infection.

Renal clearance

The volume of plasma from which a drug is completely removed by the kidneys per unit time, influencing dosage adjustments in kidney disease.

Buying Aciclovir from Our Online pharmacy

Aciclovir can be obtained conveniently from our online pharmacy. We source the medication from licensed, GMP-certified manufacturers, ensuring that every batch meets stringent quality standards. Because we operate as a pharmacy-broker service, we are able to offer the generic product at a price close to the manufacturer’s cost, providing a significant savings compared with many domestic retail pharmacies.

Our fulfillment network includes verified international suppliers, which allows discreet, reliable delivery to most locations worldwide. Typical shipping options include express service (delivery within 7 days) and regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks). All packages are sealed in plain-labeled envelopes to protect your privacy.

Choosing our service helps patients who encounter limited availability, high out-of-pocket expenses, or insurance barriers. The ordering process is secure, the medication is verified for authenticity, and the entire transaction respects confidentiality.

Disclaimer

The material presented about Aciclovir is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. All therapeutic decisions, including those concerning off-label applications, should be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are assumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy makes Aciclovir accessible for individuals who may face limited supply through conventional pharmacies, insurance-based prescription programs, or who seek cost-effective generic alternatives. Always consult a qualified health professional before initiating, modifying, or discontinuing any medication.