Acivir 400mg
Available Dosages
| SKU | 11 |
|---|---|
| Generic For | Zovirax |
| Strength | 400mg |
| Manufacturer | FDC |
| Active Ingredient | Acyclovir |
| Pack Size | Qty | Price Per Pill or Unit | Price | Cart | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Tablet/s | US$ 0.50 | US$ 14.89 | |||
|
|||||
| 60 Tablet/s | US$ 0.50 | US$ 29.80 | |||
|
|||||
| 90 Tablet/s | US$ 0.50 | US$ 44.70 | |||
|
|||||
Acivir 400mg – Affordable Zovirax Alternative for Herpes & Chickenpox
Acivir 400mg is an antiviral medicine prescribed to help manage infections caused by the herpes virus family. It contains Acyclovir 400mg, an active ingredient that works by limiting viral multiplication in the body, allowing the immune system to control the infection more effectively. Doctors commonly recommend this medicine for conditions such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles (herpes zoster), and chickenpox. In certain situations, it may also be used to reduce the frequency of recurrent herpes outbreaks in people with repeated infections. While Acivir 400mg helps control viral activity and relieves symptoms such as pain, itching, burning, and skin blisters, it is not a permanent cure for herpes infections. The medicine is most effective when treatment begins as soon as the first warning signs appear, such as tingling, redness, or small blisters. Early treatment can help shorten the duration of the infection and reduce its severity.
Acivir 400mg is generally well tolerated when used according to medical advice. Along with proper medication, maintaining good hygiene, staying hydrated, and avoiding direct contact with active sores can help minimise the spread of infection and support a smoother recovery. Acivir 400mg remains a trusted treatment option for controlling herpes virus infections and helping patients return to their normal daily activities with greater comfort.
Manufacturer: Acivir 400mg is manufactured and marketed by Cipla Ltd., one of India's leading pharmaceutical companies with a global presence.
Mode of action of Acyclovir (the active component)
Acyclovir is an antiviral agent that works by targeting the replication process of herpes viruses. After entering the infected cells, Acyclovir is converted into its active form by viral enzymes. This activated compound then interferes with the viral DNA production process by blocking an enzyme called DNA polymerase, which is essential for the virus to multiply. By stopping the formation of new viral DNA, Acyclovir prevents the virus from making additional copies of itself. This reduces the spread of infection within the body and allows the immune system to control the condition more effectively. Because it primarily acts on virus-infected cells, Acyclovir has a selective effect, helping limit damage to healthy cells. The medicine does not eliminate the herpes virus from the body, as the virus can remain inactive within nerve cells. However, it helps reduce outbreak severity, supports faster healing, and lowers the duration of symptoms such as painful sores, irritation, and discomfort.
Difference between generic Acivir 400 and the Zovirax brand
Acivir 400mg and Zovirax both contain the same active ingredient, Acyclovir, and work through the same antiviral mechanism. The primary differences are the brand name, manufacturer, pricing, and formulation details. Generic Acivir offers the same therapeutic benefits as the branded Zovirax option when used as prescribed.
Buy Acivir 400mg -
Purchasing Acivir 400mg online from PremiumRxDrugs offers a convenient and reliable way to access your prescribed antiviral medication. Customers can benefit from competitive pricing, secure ordering, doorstep delivery, and a user-friendly shopping experience. The platform also provides access to quality medications, discreet packaging, responsive customer support, and a straightforward ordering process, making it easier to obtain your treatment from the comfort of your home. PremiumRxDrugs offers related strengths, including Acivir 800mg, as well as topical formulations like Acivir Cream. Other alternative products include Herpex 5% cream and Ocuvir Dispersible tablets. These products belong to the HIV & herpes category.
Guidance for safe medication use of Acyclovir
Before using Acivir 400mg or Zovirax, discuss your complete medical history with your physician, including any previous allergic reactions to antiviral medicines. Special care is recommended for people with reduced kidney function, weakened immune systems, neurological conditions, or a history of dehydration, as these situations may require individualised treatment planning. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding so the potential benefits and possible risks can be carefully evaluated before therapy begins.
Children and older adults should receive this medicine only under appropriate medical supervision, as dosage requirements may differ from those for healthy adults. Provide your healthcare professional with a complete list of prescription medicines, non-prescription products, nutritional supplements, and herbal preparations you currently use. This information helps identify combinations that could influence treatment effectiveness or increase unwanted reactions. During active herpes infections, avoid sharing personal items such as towels, lip products, or razors that may come into contact with infected skin. People with genital herpes should follow safer sexual practices because antiviral treatment reduces viral activity but cannot eliminate the possibility of transmission. Seek prompt medical attention if you notice persistent swelling, difficulty breathing, severe skin reactions, or any unexpected symptoms that concern you during treatment.
Possible side effects of Acyclovir
Like all medicines, Acivir 400mg or Zovirax may produce unwanted effects in some individuals, although many people complete treatment without significant problems. Mild reactions can include nausea, loose stools, abdominal discomfort, headache, fatigue, dizziness, or occasional vomiting. These symptoms are generally temporary and often resolve without additional treatment.
Less frequently, users may notice temporary skin irritation, itching, or mild changes in laboratory tests related to kidney or liver function. Maintaining adequate fluid intake and following the prescribed dosage may help minimise these effects.
Rare but serious reactions require immediate medical evaluation. These include facial swelling, severe rash, breathing difficulty, confusion, unusual drowsiness, hallucinations, seizures, reduced urine production, or unexplained bruising and bleeding. Any symptom that appears suddenly, becomes severe, or continues despite treatment should be reported to a healthcare professional promptly. Careful monitoring ensures that any unexpected reaction is managed quickly and appropriately.
Correct use of Acyclovir 400mg
Take Acivir 400mg or Zovirax strictly according to the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare professional. The number of tablets required each day and the total treatment duration depend on the infection being treated, its severity, kidney function, age, and your medical history. Do not alter the prescribed schedule without professional advice. Swallow the tablet whole with water. The medicine may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach, but choosing the same routine every day helps maintain consistency. Establishing fixed dosing times also supports continuous antiviral activity throughout the treatment period. Patients are encouraged to begin therapy immediately upon noticing warning signs such as tingling, localised sensitivity, or early redness, as prompt initiation can improve clinical outcomes.
Continue taking every prescribed dose until the course is completed, regardless of how quickly visible improvement occurs. Keeping yourself adequately hydrated while using this medication supports normal kidney function and helps eliminate the drug from the body. If a scheduled dose is forgotten, take it as soon as it is remembered unless the next dose is approaching.
What is Acivir 400mg used for?
Acivir 400mg contains acyclovir 400mg — a higher oral dose providing more convenient twice or thrice-daily dosing compared to the 200mg formulation's five-times-daily schedule. Key uses: suppressive therapy for recurrent genital herpes (400mg twice daily — BID dosing improves adherence vs. 200mg QID); treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) in immunocompetent patients (800mg five times daily — using two 400mg tablets); prevention of HSV reactivation in immunocompromised patients (400mg TID or BID); and primary genital herpes (400mg TID for 7–10 days as an alternative to 200mg five times daily). For appropriate dosage information, please talk to your healthcare professional/
Why is the 400mg dose used for herpes suppression instead of 200mg?
For suppressive therapy, 400mg twice daily is equivalent in efficacy to 200mg four times daily — and significantly more convenient (twice-daily compliance is much higher than four-times-daily). Plasma acyclovir levels with 400mg BID maintain adequate trough concentrations to suppress HSV reactivation. The 400mg dose provides the same total daily exposure (800mg/day) as 200mg QID (800mg/day) with a simpler dosing regimen that patients are far more likely to maintain consistently. Better adherence translates directly to better suppression of outbreaks and viral shedding.
How should Acivir 400mg be taken for herpes zoster (shingles)?
For herpes zoster in immunocompetent adults: 800mg five times daily (every 4 hours while awake) for 7 days — using two Acivir 400mg tablets per dose. Start within 72 hours of rash onset for maximum benefit — reduces duration of rash, viral shedding, and pain. Treatment started after 72 hours has limited benefit on rash but may still reduce post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) risk. For immunocompromised patients: higher doses or IV acyclovir is typically required. Valacyclovir 1,000mg TID for 7 days is a more convenient alternative with equivalent efficacy.
Is Acivir 400mg safe in elderly patients with shingles?
Acyclovir 400mg is safe in elderly patients but renal function must be assessed first — elderly patients commonly have reduced eGFR even with normal serum creatinine. Dose adjustment is required if eGFR is reduced. Adequate hydration is especially important in elderly patients to prevent acyclovir crystalluria. Early treatment (within 72 hours of rash) significantly reduces post-herpetic neuralgia risk — PHN is more common and severe in elderly patients. Consider PHN prevention: some clinicians add a 7–10 day corticosteroid course concurrently in otherwise healthy elderly patients with severe acute zoster pain.
What drug interactions are most important with Acivir 400mg?
Probenecid and cimetidine reduce acyclovir renal tubular secretion — increase acyclovir levels significantly at 400mg; monitor for toxicity (nausea, headache, neurological symptoms). Nephrotoxic agents (NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, ciclosporin, tacrolimus) increase crystalluria and renal toxicity risk — ensure excellent hydration and monitor renal function. Mycophenolate mofetil competition for renal secretion increases acyclovir exposure. Zidovudine combined with acyclovir increases neurotoxicity risk (lethargy, neurological symptoms) — monitor carefully if combination is unavoidable. Ensure 2+ litres fluid daily intake with all oral acyclovir therapy.
How does Acivir 400mg compare to valacyclovir for herpes zoster?
Acyclovir 800mg five times daily (two 400mg tablets × 5 doses) and valacyclovir 1,000mg three times daily are both approved for herpes zoster. Clinical trials show equivalent antiviral efficacy. The major practical advantage of valacyclovir: three-times-daily vs. five-times-daily dosing — dramatically better adherence. Valacyclovir (acyclovir prodrug) achieves 3–5× higher plasma acyclovir levels per dose than oral acyclovir due to better bioavailability (54% vs. 15–21%). For shingles, valacyclovir or famciclovir are generally preferred over acyclovir due to simpler dosing, provided cost is not a limiting factor.
Is Acivir 400mg equivalent to Zovirax 400mg?
Yes. Acivir 400mg and branded Zovirax 400mg tablets both contain acyclovir 400mg in bioequivalent formulations. Acivir is the generic alternative providing the same antiviral efficacy against HSV and VZV infections at significantly lower cost — important for long-term suppressive therapy where medication affordability affects adherence.
Can I order Acivir 400mg from PremiumRxDrugs for delivery to Canada?
Yes. PremiumRxDrugs.com ships Acivir 400mg to the USA, UK, Australia, and many other countries. Our genuine manufacturer-verified antiviral medications, competitive pricing, and free worldwide shipping on qualifying orders makes us a reliable international source for recurrent herpes management.
What side effects does Acivir 400mg cause?
At 400mg, side effects are similar to 200mg but slightly more frequent. Common: nausea, headache, dizziness — generally mild. Take with food to reduce nausea. Ensure high daily fluid intake (2+ litres) to prevent crystalluria. Rare: neurological effects (confusion, agitation, tremor) — particularly in elderly patients or those with renal impairment at higher total daily doses. Rash and photosensitivity occasionally occur. At 800mg five times daily (shingles dose), side effects become more pronounced — particularly nausea and headache. Monitor renal function if treatment exceeds 7 days or in renally impaired patients.
How long should suppressive therapy with Acivir 400mg BID be continued?
Current guidelines recommend initial suppressive therapy for 6–12 months, followed by a break to reassess natural recurrence frequency. If recurrences remain frequent (6+ per year) after stopping suppression, a second course is appropriate. Some patients with very frequent recurrences or ongoing transmission risk (serodiscordant relationships) continue suppression for several years. Annual reassessment is recommended. Acyclovir resistance with long-term suppression is rare in immunocompetent patients — if resistant HSV is suspected (persistent breakthrough outbreaks on suppression), genotypic resistance testing and specialist infectious disease consultation are warranted.
Can Acivir 400mg be used for chickenpox in adults?
Yes — acyclovir 800mg four times daily (two 400mg tablets × 4 doses) for 5 days is used to treat varicella (chickenpox) in adults, who typically experience more severe disease than children. Treatment is recommended for adults, immunocompromised patients, pregnant women, and newborns exposed to varicella. It is most effective when started within 24 hours of rash onset. Chickenpox in adults can cause serious complications (pneumonia, encephalitis, bacterial superinfection) — oral acyclovir reduces complication risk and disease duration. Hospitalisation and IV acyclovir are needed for severe or complicated adult varicella.
Login
Sign Up
Login
Sign Up