Acyclovir Alternatives Compared
| Acyclovir | Valacyclovir | Zovirax Cream (acyclovir) |
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| Acyclovir | Valacyclovir | Zovirax Cream (acyclovir) |
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Prescription only
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that treats infections caused by HSV-1, HSV-2, and varicella-zoster viruses such as chickenpox, genital herpes, and shingles. It is most effective when started within... View more |
Prescription only
Valacyclovir is used to treat cold sores, genital herpes, herpes zoster, and chickenpox. It is an antiviral prodrug that is rapidly converted into acyclovir in the body. Valacyclovir should be... View more |
Prescription only
Prescribed for Cold Sores, Herpes Simplex (HSV). Zovirax Cream may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. |
Related suggestions Herpes Simplex (HSV)
Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Labialis)
Popular comparisons
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| More about Acyclovir | More about Valacyclovir | More about Zovirax Cream (acyclovir) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratings & Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Acyclovir has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 189 ratings on Drugs.com. 77% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 11% reported a negative effect. |
Valacyclovir has an average rating of 8.3 out of 10 from a total of 495 ratings on Drugs.com. 79% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 12% reported a negative effect. |
Zovirax Cream has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 50 ratings on Drugs.com. 62% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 26% reported a negative effect. |
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| Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
View all Acyclovir side effects |
View all Valacyclovir side effects |
View all Zovirax Cream side effects |
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| Drug Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Generic Availability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Lower cost generic |
Lower cost generic |
Lower cost generic approved | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
View all Acyclovir prices |
View all Valacyclovir prices |
View all Zovirax Cream prices |
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| Dosage Forms | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Brand Names | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sitavig, Zovirax | Valtrex | Other acyclovir brands include: Zovirax Ointment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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4 hours |
3.1 hours |
4 hours |
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| CSA Schedule 1 View glossary of CSA terms | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
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| Pregnancy Category | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Category B
No proven risk in humans
See the full pregnancy warnings document. |
Category B
No proven risk in humans
See the full pregnancy warnings document. |
Category B
No proven risk in humans
See the full pregnancy warnings document. |
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| Drug Interactions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A total of 67 drugs are known to interact with Acyclovir:
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A total of 91 drugs are known to interact with Valacyclovir:
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A total of 1 drugs are known to interact with Zovirax Cream:
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| Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider. |
No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider. |
No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider. |
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| Disease Interactions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No known disease interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider. |
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| First Approval Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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January 25, 1985 |
June 23, 1995 |
N/A |
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| WADA Class View classifications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
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| Related Treatment Guide | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1 The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.