I have herpes simplex type 1 ( cold sores ) not responding to acyclovir is there an alternative ?

See a dermatologist: Acyclovir is effective orally, not topically. Must be used at prodrome or daily to be effective. Your dose may be too small. Valacyclovir is much more effective, used at 2 gram dose at prodrome: as soon as you feel the first tingling. Repeat once in 12 hours. Chapstick with sunscreen helps reduce frequency. Lysine is useless. Topicals do very little.