In this article, I’m going to teach you how to use acyclovir for cold sores. Ninety percent of all people get at least one cold sore in their life. This first occurrence is often the worst (mine sure was!).
After the first infection, many people develop antibodies and never have another cold sore. However, about 40% of American adults have recurring cold sores.
This was me for almost 20 years.
I had so many outbreaks that I suffered from serious psychological issues induced by cold sores.
To make a long story short…
I figured out how to prevent cold sore outbreaks, and I haven’t had a cold sore for over four years now. However, millions of people are still suffering, and that’s why I created this blog.
I’ve made it my Life’s Purpose and Mission to help others learn how to prevent and treat cold sores.
So now a lot of my time is spent researching and writing about all of the best cold sore remedies in the world. After writing some informative and helpful articles on natural remedies and over-the-counter remedies, now the time has come for me to do the second article in the category of prescription medications for cold sores.
Many people are using acyclovir for cold sores, and in this article, I’m going to cover the Pros and Cons and give you a detailed Review on the use of acyclovir for cold sores.
Acyclovir For Cold Sores – Cold Sore Overview
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are groups of small blisters that form on or near the lips. Cold sores are a result of something called herpes simplex virus (HSV).
There are two types of HSV, and both can cause cold sores. HSV-1 typically is responsible for cold sores, and HSV-2 is most often the cause of genital herpes.
However, both types of HSV can cause cold sores or genital herpes.
After primary infection, the virus resides in the associated dorsal root ganglion where it lies dormant until an external stimuli (such as stress or immunosuppression) initiate reactivation of the virus from dormancy.
The virus lives on forever, and that’s why people continue to get cold sores over and over again.
Acyclovir For Cold Sores – Acyclovir Overview
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that is most commonly used to treat infections by the herpes viruses that cause cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles.The discovery of aciclovir was announced in 1977.
Aciclovir is used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus infections, including:
- Genital herpes simplex (treatment and prevention)
- Neonatal herpes simplex
- Herpes simplex labialis (cold sores)
- Shingles
- Acute chickenpox in immunocompromised patients
- Herpes simplex encephalitis
- Acute mucocutaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised patients
- Herpes of the eye and herpes simplex blepharitis (a chronic (long-term) form of herpes eye infection)
- Prevention of herpes viruses in immunocompromised people (such as people undergoing cancer chemotherapy)
Acyclovir can be used to shorten the healing time of a cold sore, and it can also be used for cold sore prevention.
Using acyclovir at the first sign of cold sores can lead to the following benefits:
- Decreases the severity and length of a cold sore outbreak
- Helps the cold sore heal faster
- Keeps new cold sores from forming
- Decreases the pain and itching of a cold sore
In addition, in people with a weakened immune system, acyclovir can decrease the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of the body and causing serious infections.
Acyclovir For Cold Sores – Types of Acyclovir Medication
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that comes in a few different forms, which have all been shown to be extremely useful in the treatment of cold sores.
Acyclovir is currently available by prescription only in the following forms:
- Tablet (Oral)
- Liquid (Oral)
- Cream (Topical)
Acyclovir For Cold Sores – Research Studies
In a study from 2008, acyclovir was shown to help in the treatment of cold sores, though an over-the-counter Compeed Cold Sore Patch had comparable results.
Zovirax Cream, a brand name formulation of acyclovir 5% cream, was evaluated in 2 double-blind studies, and shown in both of them to be effective in the treatment of cold sores.
How To Use Oral Acyclovir For Cold Sores
The following dosing guidelines for using acyclovir for cold sores were taken from Drugs.com, a very reputable website on this type of information.
Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex Labialis:
Immunocompetent host:
Apply 50 mg (1 buccal tablet) as a single-dose to the upper gum region (canine fossa)
Comments:
-Tablet should be applied within 1 hour after the onset of prodromal symptoms and before the appearance of any signs of herpes labialis lesions.
-Tablet should be applied on the same side of the mouth as the herpes labialis symptoms.
-Use of buccal tablets has not been studied in immunocompromised subjects.
Concomitant HIV infection:
Oral tablets: 400 mg orally 3 times a day for 5 to 10 days
Comment: Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections Among HIV- Infected Adults and Adolescents may be consulted for additional guidance.
Use: For the treatment of herpes simplex labialis (cold sores).
Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex – Suppression:
Daily Suppressive Therapy for Recurrent Disease: 400 mg orally 2 times a day
-Alternative regimens from 200 mg orally 3 times a day to 200 mg orally 5 times a day have been used
Concomitant HIV infection: 400 to 800 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
Acyclovir Tablet
How To Use Topical Acyclovir Cream For Cold Sores
Another way to use acyclovir for cold sores besides using a tablet or liquid suspension is to use acyclovir cream, or use the brand name Zovirax Cream.
The following dosing guidelines for using acyclovir cream for cold sores were taken from MedicinePlus.gov:
- Wash your hands.
- Clean and dry the area of skin where you will be applying the cream.
- Apply a layer of cream to cover the skin where the cold sore has formed or seems likely to form.
- Rub the cream into the skin until it disappears.
- Leave the skin where you applied the medication uncovered. Do not apply a bandage or dressing unless your doctor tells you that you should.
- Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any cream left on your hands.
- Be careful not to wash the cream off of your skin. Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying acyclovir cream.
- Avoid irritation of the cold sore area while using acyclovir cream.
Whether you’re taking oral acyclovir or acyclovir cream for cold sores, you must always use it under the care of your prescribing doctor. These are just guidelines, so please ask your doctor how to take acyclovir for cold sores.
Acyclovir For Cold Sores – Conclusion
Many people have prevented or reduced the healing time of their herpes simplex lesions by using acyclovir for cold sores. It has shown favorable results in research studies, however, some people don’t get amazing results, and some people have side effects from using acyclovir.
The key to cold sores is to prevent them from forming in the first place.
Thus, I encourage you to check out my Ultimate Guide to Preventing Cold Sores.
It’s free and has absolutely everything you need to know.
If you have any comments or questions on the use of acyclovir for cold sores, please post them in the comment box below.
Lee says
Do you think it’ll be beneficial to use alacyclovir and abreva at the same time because they work through other mechanisms?
Matt says
I think it might be worth trying. Back when I used to get cold sores, I would often use 2 or even 3 topical remedies throughout the day to get some variety.
M. K. says
Thank you!
Matt says
You’re welcome!
Jim says
I started taking 400mg acyclovir tablets twice a day last August after I had been having recurring cold sores for 8 months but also quite regularly throughout my life (I’m now 42). 8 months on and i’ve not had one… not even a tingle!!! I have a repeat prescription from my GP- it’s changed my life!!!!
Jean says
Watch your kidneys using it as a preventative treatment.
Sarah says
I’m currently sick with a cold, sore throat and cough. This morning I saw that I have a cold sore barely at the surface of my bottom lip. Can I use oral acylovir 400 mg 3 times a day for 5 days while using the compeed patch at the same time. I also have abreva.
Masha says
I have suffered from cold sores for several years and would get about 4-6 per year. I went to my doctor and she prescribed me Acyclovir 800mg. It worked great for the first 5 or so times I used it but now it does not seem to be as effective. I’ll take 800mg 3x a day for 5 days, and it would suppress the cold sore from forming but I would still feel the tingling and pain even on the last day of medication. Sure enough a week later the cold sore will erupt. It seems like now regardless of whether or not I am taking the medication I am getting a cold sore every month. Its the worst!
My doctor is stingy and only prescribes me one round of meds at a time. (15 pills, 5 days worth) and its gotten to the point where i’m asking for refills on a monthly basis.
I am leaving the country for 2.5 weeks with my boyfriend and the last thing i want is a nasty sore. I only have these 15 pills (I literally just got a refill yesterday) and I have the pain and tingling right now!!! (I finished my last dose some time last week).
I’m trying to figure out how best to get ration my meds so i DONT break out in the next two weeks – would it be better to take it 3x/day for 5 days or split them in half (400mg 2x/day for 15 days). What is your opinion? Any advice would be much appreciated!
Annette says
I have had five in six months, and never had them before until last year. The Zovirax cream does nothing, but a Lemon balm cream works a lot. It even stops it from coming out at all if taken before it breaks onto the surface; at the tingle stage. Cream is called ‘Lomaherpan’ but basic Melissa essential oil will do the same thing.
But I was too late to catch this one in time, no tingle or warning, so I had to see the GP. She gave me 800mg of Acyclovir to take three times a day for two days. Isn’t that a bit strong? I don’t know.
I wish there was something I can do to stop them…
Matt says
It’s strong medicine for sure, but it can help to shorten the healing time greatly. And I absolutely love lemon balm for cold sore treatment. Very helpful.