Question 1

does acyclovir side effects differ depending on dosage. i've been prescribed it before but on lower dosage and had no side effects.

Accepted Answer

Higher doses OK: Acyclovir (and valacyclovir, closely related) are among the safest of all drugs, with almost no toxicity or side effects. For occasional severe HSV and related infections (e.g. encephalitis, neonatal herpes) they are given is doses more than 10 times higher than the usual oral dose. If your doctor recommends a larger then  of acyclovir than previously, you can safely follow that advice.

Question 2

what's the dosage amount for acyclovir pills for cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Medication dosing: Please speak to your prescribing physician in regards to exact dosing of Acyclovir or any other prescription medication.

Question 3

diagnosed with shingles yesterday and prescribed acyclovir.  took prescribed dosages yesterday, but today my rash is much worse.  should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

No: The medication does not work that quickly. Give it a few days.

Question 4

i'm on acyclovir for preventive therapy but somehow i keep breaking out, my bf was diagnosed with hpv1, can this be a cause? what methods, dosage increase should i take to suppress?

Accepted Answer

See doc: Acyclovir does not treat hpv.  You best see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.  Actually best if both you and the bf can be seen at the same time so both are treated!

Question 5

doctor prescribed acyclovir 800mg x 5 days for shingles. i feel worse now. i'm 4'11" - 47kg. is it too much med or normal dosage?

Accepted Answer

Acyclovir: this is the recommended dose for shingle, another medication that could have been used is valcyclovir 1gram three times daily, people with shingle may develop burning sensation even after successful treatment ( post hermetic neuralgia)

Question 6

what is the typical dosage of acyclovir for herpes simplex 2?

Accepted Answer

Acyclovir dose: This depends on the stage of infection and the reason for treatment. For treatment of initial genital herpes, a common dose is 800 mg 3 times daily.  For suppression, i.e. to prevent outbreaks and reduce transmission risk, 400 to 800 mg once or twice daily. For recurrent oubreaks, it really doesn't work very well, but if started early, either 400 mg or 800 mg 3 times daily for no more than 5 days.

Question 7

why am i having bumps on my cheeks and gum feels swollen when checked by tongue?please advice.was diagnosed with hsv1 and finished acyclovir dosage.

Accepted Answer

It is most likely..: ..these bumps/swollen gums are residual effects of the original HSV infection. While acyclovir can lessen the symptoms of HSV, it typically will not cure it or eliminate it. Adverse side effects of acyclovir are commonly nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or headache. Finish the prescribed course of acyclovir. Continue supportive care: acetominophen/ibuprofen, fluids, aloe vera gel. You remain  infectious

Question 8

will i have to take acyclovir for the rest of my life? have herpes ophthalmicus, currently don't have the infection in my eye, doc lowered the dosage.

Accepted Answer

Maybe, maybe not: Most people with ocular herpes (eye infection with HSV) do not need to take acyclovir or other anti-HSV drugs for life. But it might be necessary in some cases. Fortunately, acyclovir and related drugs have virtually no side effects. You can take it as long as necessary without harm. Follow your doctor's advice. Good luck!

Question 9

if i take 400 mg acyclovir daily for herpes do i up the dose during an outbreak? is there anything for immediate relief?

Accepted Answer

Nothing is Immediate: There is no magic treatment.  During outbreaks, Acyclovir is typically taken as 200 mg five times a day.  Discuss your dosing with your doctor.

Question 10

now going thru 2nd bout of shingles. never fully recovered from 1st. should i be on a maintenance dose of acyclovir?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say: You are not clear when you say you did not recover from your first bout of shingles. Do you mean you still have pain?If you still have pain you want to speak to either your dermatologist or a neurologist about either a topical or oral medication to relieve what is called post herpetic neuralgia. I do not think there is a reason to be on continuous acyclovir. ? Shingles vaccinationaccinatio.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Recommended dosage of acyclovir

A member asked:

Does acyclovir side effects differ depending on dosage. i've been prescribed it before but on lower dosage and had no side effects.

A member asked:

What's the dosage amount for acyclovir pills for cold sores?

A member asked:

Diagnosed with shingles yesterday and prescribed acyclovir. took prescribed dosages yesterday, but today my rash is much worse. should i be worried?

A member asked:

I'm on acyclovir for preventive therapy but somehow i keep breaking out, my bf was diagnosed with hpv1, can this be a cause? what methods, dosage increase should i take to suppress?

A member asked:

Doctor prescribed acyclovir 800mg x 5 days for shingles. i feel worse now. i'm 4'11" - 47kg. is it too much med or normal dosage?

A member asked:

What is the typical dosage of acyclovir for herpes simplex 2?

A member asked:

Why am i having bumps on my cheeks and gum feels swollen when checked by tongue?please advice.was diagnosed with hsv1 and finished acyclovir dosage.

A member asked:

Will i have to take acyclovir for the rest of my life? have herpes ophthalmicus, currently don't have the infection in my eye, doc lowered the dosage.

A member asked:

If i take 400 mg acyclovir daily for herpes do i up the dose during an outbreak? is there anything for immediate relief?

A member asked:

Now going thru 2nd bout of shingles. never fully recovered from 1st. should i be on a maintenance dose of acyclovir?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?