What is acyclovir?
Acyclovir (generic Zovirax) is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat cold sores (herpes simplex). It is also effective in treating shingles (herpes zoster), varicella (chickenpox), and genital herpes. Acyclovir is prescribed to more than 4 million Americans each year and can be taken orally, topically, or via injection.
Acyclovir works by targeting herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores. Even after a cold sore outbreak has dissipated, herpes simplex continues to live in your body - leaving you at risk of future outbreaks. As an antiviral drug, acyclovir targets herpes simplex to reduce the cadence and severity of these outbreaks - keeping you healthy and your cold sores to a minimum.