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Acyclovir Tablet — prescription drug image

Acyclovir

Acyclovir 400MG

What is Acyclovir?

Acyclovir is used to treat certain types of viral infections including cold sores. Acyclovir is a generic drug. On average Acyclovir is priced at about $42 for a supply of 60, 400 mg intravenous powder for injection. Luckily, you can use our Rx.com savings offer to receive an Acyclovir discount of up to 80% off the retail price at participating pharmacies near you.

Prescription savings · · · ·

What is Acyclovir ?

Acyclovir is used to treat certain types of viral infections including cold sores. Acyclovir is a generic drug. On average Acyclovir is priced at about $42 for a supply of 60, 400 mg intravenous powder for injection. Luckily, you can use our Rx.com savings offer to receive an Acyclovir discount of up to 80% off the retail price at participating pharmacies near you.
  • Pinpoint red spots on your skin.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
  • Fainting or extreme weakness, problems with walking or coordination.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in your urine or stools.
  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
  • Confusion, agitation, behavior changes.
  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Unexplained fever.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a weak immune system. Some things that cause a weak immune system are cancer chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, recent infection, or recent bone marrow or kidney transplant.
  • Acyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex. Avoid having sex while you have herpes sores.
  • Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others during sex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep from spreading the virus.
  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
  • Fainting or extreme weakness, problems with walking or coordination.
  • Pinpoint red spots on your skin.
  • Unexplained fever.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in your urine or stools.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
What is acyclovir used for?
Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, including genital herpes and cold sores, as well as herpes simplex in people with weakened immune systems. It is also FDA-approved to treat shingles (herpes zoster) and chickenpox (varicella). It comes in oral, topical, eye, buccal, and IV forms.
How quickly does acyclovir work for cold sores or genital herpes?
Acyclovir works best when started as early as possible, ideally at the first sign of an outbreak (such as tingling or the earliest sores). It helps sores heal and can shorten how long symptoms last, but it does not work instantly and does not cure the infection. Take it exactly as prescribed and follow your provider's directions.
What are the most common side effects of acyclovir?
Common side effects can include nausea, headache, and general stomach upset. More serious but less common issues include kidney problems (more likely with IV use, high doses, or dehydration) and neurologic effects like confusion or agitation, especially in people with reduced kidney function. Staying hydrated helps. Contact your provider if you have concerning symptoms.
Is acyclovir the same as valacyclovir (Valtrex)?
They are closely related but not identical. Valacyclovir (brand Valtrex) is a prodrug that your body converts into acyclovir, and it is often taken less frequently because it is absorbed more efficiently. Both treat similar herpes infections. Your provider chooses between them based on your condition, dosing convenience, and cost.
Can you take acyclovir every day to prevent herpes outbreaks?
Daily acyclovir is sometimes used to suppress or reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks, though this is an off-label use and should only be done under a provider's direction. It does not cure herpes and does not prevent passing the virus to others. Talk with your provider about whether daily suppressive therapy is right for you.
How much does Acyclovir cost without insurance?
The price of Acyclovir without insurance varies by pharmacy, dosage, and quantity. Rx.com compares cash prices at more than 60,000 US pharmacies so you can find the lowest price near you.
What are the common side effects of Acyclovir?
Common side effects of Acyclovir may include: Pinpoint red spots on your skin., Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes., Fainting or extreme weakness, problems with walking or coordination., Unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in your urine or stools., Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list — consult your pharmacist or doctor for full side effect information.
Is there a generic version of Acyclovir?
Generic versions may be available for Acyclovir. Generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and are typically 80–90% cheaper. Search Acyclovir on Rx.com to compare generic and brand prices at pharmacies near you.
What is the cheapest pharmacy for Acyclovir?
The cheapest pharmacy for Acyclovir depends on your location and dosage. Rx.com compares prices at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and thousands of independent pharmacies. Enter your ZIP code on Rx.com to find the lowest price for Acyclovir near you.

Acyclovir Coupons & Prices

Acyclovir 400MG

Acyclovir Tablet — prescription drug image
Prescription
Acyclovir 400mg (15)
your area ·

Looking for an acyclovir coupon? Acyclovir is the low-cost generic antiviral (brand names Zovirax and Sitavig) used to treat herpes simplex infections, shingles, and chickenpox. Because it is a widely stocked generic, cash prices can still swing a lot from one pharmacy to the next, so comparing before you fill matters. Rx.com checks prices across more than 60,000 U.S. pharmacies so you can find a low price near you. Enter your ZIP above to see today's acyclovir price and print or text yourself a free coupon.

What is acyclovir and how does it work?

Acyclovir is a synthetic nucleoside (guanine) analogue in the antiviral drug class. It works by interfering with the herpes virus's ability to copy its own DNA, which slows the spread of the infection and helps sores heal. It does not cure herpes and does not stop you from passing the virus to others.

It is FDA-approved to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, including initial and recurrent genital herpes and cold sores (herpes labialis, treated with the topical cream), as well as mucocutaneous HSV in people with weakened immune systems. It is also approved to treat herpes zoster (shingles) and chickenpox (varicella). Acyclovir comes in several forms, including oral tablets and capsules, topical cream, ophthalmic (eye), buccal, and intravenous (IV) versions given in a hospital.

How much does acyclovir cost without insurance?

Acyclovir is available as a generic (generic_available: yes), so it is generally one of the more affordable antivirals to buy with cash. That said, the sticker price without insurance is not the same everywhere: two pharmacies in the same town can quote very different cash prices for the exact same tablets. That is why it pays to compare rather than fill at the first pharmacy you see.

Rx.com compares live acyclovir prices across 60,000+ pharmacies and turns the lowest one into a free coupon you can use at the counter. We do not list fixed dollar amounts here because prices change often and depend on your ZIP code, the form (tablet, cream, or capsule), and the strength you are prescribed. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price near you.

Acyclovir vs. valacyclovir, famciclovir, and other alternatives

Acyclovir belongs to the same family as several other antivirals your provider may consider. Valacyclovir (brand Valtrex) is a prodrug of acyclovir that the body converts to acyclovir, and it is often dosed less frequently. Famciclovir is another oral option in the same category. Ganciclovir is a related antiviral used for different viral infections. The brand version of acyclovir itself is Zovirax.

Which one is right for you depends on your diagnosis, how often you would need to take it, and cost. Because all of these can vary in price, it is worth comparing the generic and its alternatives. Enter your ZIP above to see current prices for acyclovir and its relatives, and talk with your provider or pharmacist about which fits your treatment plan.

Acyclovir safety and side effects

Acyclovir has no FDA boxed warning, but there are important safety points to know. It can affect the kidneys (acute kidney injury), especially with IV use, higher doses, or if you are dehydrated, so staying well hydrated matters. In some people, particularly those with reduced kidney function, it can cause neurologic effects such as confusion, hallucinations, agitation, or seizures; your dose may need to be lowered if you have kidney disease. Rare but serious blood disorders (TTP/HUS) have been reported in people who are immunocompromised, and hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions can occur.

This is general information, not medical advice. Acyclovir does not cure herpes and does not prevent spreading it to others. Tell your provider about your kidney health and any other medicines you take, and follow their dosing instructions and hydration guidance. Contact your provider or pharmacist with questions or if you notice worrying symptoms.

Sources & accuracy

This Acyclovir information was written and reviewed against authoritative U.S. medical sources — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), DailyMed, and FDA prescribing information — and checked for accuracy. It is provided for education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Verify the official label: Acyclovir on DailyMed (FDA)

Reviewed against FDA labeling · Last reviewed July 2026

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Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.