Aciclovir Cream

Aciclovir anti-viral cream to treat cold sores.

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About Aciclovir cream

Aciclovir 5% anti-viral cream

Aciclovir is an anti-viral which stops viruses multiplying and spreading. Aciclovir cream is used to treat localised infections by the herpes virus, commonly known as cold sores. See cold sore information page for details about cold sores, their treatment, and how to order.

Aciclovir 5% cream is available under different brand names, e.g. Zovirax, Boots Antiviral Cold Sore Cream, Virasorb Cold Sore Cream, Pinewood Cold Sore Cream. All have the same active ingredient. Dr Fox supplies 2 gram and 10 gram tubes. The 2 gram tube is for a single treatment and the 10 gram tube is sufficient for repeated treatments. Once opened tubes should be stored in a cool place (below 25°C), but not in a fridge. Tubes should not be shared between people and should be discarded when out-of-date (three year shelf life).

How to use

Apply cream at the first sign of a cold sore, preferably at the tingling/itching stage before the sore is visible, although it can be used once the sore has appeared. Apply by gently dabbing cream over the sore five times daily. Treatment should be continued for at least 4 days, but can be continued for up to a total of 10 days if the sore has not healed. If an application is missed, apply when you remember and then continue without extra doses.

Wash hands after use, to prevent spreading cold sores and getting cream into the eyes or mouth. Do NOT apply to around the eyes or ingest. Wash away any contamination from the eyes. A small amount swallowed is unlikely to be harmful.

When to see a doctor

Use aciclovir only if you have a recurrence of your typical cold sore. Consult a doctor if the sore is different from normal, has not healed after 10 days, or is spreading, or associated with other symptoms such as fever and headache.

Side effects of Aciclovir cream

Not everybody gets side effects. The most common are mild burning, redness, itching, dry skin, and other rashes. For a full list see the manufacturer's leaflet supplied with the cream. Stop using if there is an allergic type reaction with swelling of the lips face and eyelids.

Pregnancy and breast feeding

Only very small amounts of aciclovir are likely to pass into the body, but you should discuss this with a doctor before use.

Patient information leaflet

The 'Patient Information Leaflet' supplied with medication must be read before taking.

• Aciclovir 5% Cream Leaflet