Aciclovir Tablets in the UK – What You Need to Know

If you’ve been told to take aciclovir tablets, you probably have a cold sore, genital herpes or shingles. It’s an antiviral that stops the virus from multiplying, so outbreaks end faster and feel less painful. Below is a straight‑forward guide on how it works, the right way to use it, and where you can order it safely in the UK.

How Aciclovir Works

Aciclovir targets the herpes virus’s DNA, blocking the virus from copying itself. The result is fewer lesions, shorter healing time, and less chance of spreading the infection. You’ll notice a drop in pain and swelling within a day or two if you start the tablets early enough – ideally at the first sign of tingling or itching.

Safe Dosage and When to Take It

The usual adult dose for cold‑sores is 200 mg five times a day for five days. For genital herpes, doctors often prescribe 400 mg three times daily for ten days (first outbreak) or 400 mg twice a day for three days (recurrence). If you’re treating shingles, the schedule may be 800 mg five times a day for seven to ten days.

Take each dose with a full glass of water and try to keep the timing even – morning, mid‑day, afternoon, evening and before bed. Missing a dose won’t ruin the treatment, but try not to let more than 12 hours go between tablets. If you have kidney problems or are over 65, your doctor might lower the dose. Always follow the prescription label; don’t guess based on what someone else said.

Side Effects You Should Watch For

Most people tolerate aciclovir well. The most common complaints are mild nausea, headache or a slight rash. If you notice severe dizziness, trouble breathing, or a sudden drop in urine output, stop the medication and call your GP right away – these could be signs of a rare but serious reaction.

Staying hydrated helps the kidneys clear the drug faster, which can reduce side effects. A glass of water with each tablet is usually enough.

Buying Aciclovir Safely Online in the UK

You don’t have to visit a brick‑and‑mortar pharmacy for every prescription. Reputable UK online pharmacies require a valid prescription, either uploaded or sent by your doctor. Look for sites that display a GMC registration number and clear contact details.

Beware of ultra‑cheap offers without a prescription – they often sell counterfeit pills. A good price range for a 5‑day pack of 200 mg tablets is £5‑£10, depending on the brand and quantity.

Tips to Save Money Without Compromising Safety

Many UK pharmacies run discount codes or loyalty programs. Signing up for newsletters can give you a one‑off coupon for first‑time orders. If you need a long‑term supply, ask your doctor about a repeat prescription and compare prices between at least three licensed online stores.

Remember: the cheapest option isn’t always the best if it means no pharmacist support or unclear packaging.

When to See Your Doctor Again

If outbreaks keep coming back despite regular aciclovir, ask your GP about a suppressive regimen – daily low‑dose tablets can keep the virus in check. Also, get medical advice if you develop new symptoms like fever, severe pain, or lesions that don’t heal after two weeks.

Keeping an open line with your healthcare provider ensures you stay on the right dose and avoid unnecessary complications.

Aciclovir tablets are a simple, effective tool for managing herpes‑related infections when used correctly. Follow the dosage guide, buy from a trusted UK pharmacy, and reach out to your doctor if anything feels off. You’ll be back to feeling normal faster than you think.