Acivir 400mg – Affordable Zovirax Alternative for Herpes & Chickenpox

Acivir 400mg Tablet contains Acyclovir, a trusted antiviral medicine used to treat viral infections such as herpes simplex (cold sores, genital herpes), shingles (herpes zoster), and chickenpox. It works by slowing down the growth and spread of the herpes virus, helping the body’s immune system fight the infection.

Acivir 400mg is effective in reducing the severity of symptoms like itching, pain, burning, and blisters, while also shortening recovery time. For best results, take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Trusted antiviral therapy
Helps manage recurrent herpes infections
Available online at best price

What is Acivir 400mg used for?

Acivir has the following indications:

Recurrent genital herpes infections
Localized cutaneous herpes zoster infection (shingles)
Chicken pox (varicella)

Precautions

What medications interact with Acivir 400 mg DT?

The following drugs may interact with Acivir 400 mg medications:

Probenecid
Phenytoin
Zidovudine
Methotrexate
Valproic acid
Theophylline
Nephrotoxic drugs

Dosage Instructions

How long should Acivir be used?

The medicine should not use more frequently or longer than recommended. Continue taking it for the time it is prescribed to you.

Missed dose of Acivir

Take the missed dose of Acyclovir 400 mg when you remember but not just before next dose is due. Do not doubling up doses.

How should Acivir be stored?

Keep the tablets in its original packet to protect from light. Store it at room temperature. Place it at a place where children cannot reach.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Acivir DT 400?

Gastrointestinal issues- nausea, increased liver enzymes, abdominal pain, anorexia, vomiting, hyperbilirubinemia
Endoskeletal issues- changes in menstrual cycles
Central nervous system disorder- dizziness, trembling, hallucinations, seizures, headache
Hematological issues- hemolytic uremic syndrome
Musculoskeletal problems- joint pain
Dermatological issues- rash, stevens-johnson syndrome, acne, hives unusual sweating
Miscellaneous issues- polydipsia

How to Use

How should Acivir 400mg be used?

Initial genital herpes:

For the treatment meant for adults and children- the recommended dose is 200 mg five times daily for 7 to 10 days or 400 mg every eight hours for 7 to 10 days. The maximum recommended dose for children is 80 mg/kg daily in 3 to 5 divided doses.

Chronic suppressive therapy for recurrent genital herpes:

For adults and children- The preferred dose is 400 mg two times a day or 200 mg 3 to 5 times daily for a period of one year. The maximum suggested dose for children is 80/kg daily in divided doses.

Acute treatment of herpes zoster in immunosuppresses patients:

Your physician may ask you take 800 mg five times daily for 7 to 10 days. $00 mg five times daily is the preferred dose for the prophylaxis treatment.

Intermittent therapy for recurrent genital herpes:

To treat adults and children- 200 mg five times daily for five days. Start taking at first sign of symptoms. In children, the maximum dose should not exceed 80 mg/kg daily in divided doses.

Herpes Zoster in immunosuppressed patients:

The suggested dose is 4000 mg daily that should be administered in five divided doses for 5 to 7 days. The maximum dose for children should not exceed 80 mg/kg daily in five divided doses.

Chicken pox:

The recommended dose for patients with chickenpox is 20 mg/kg four times daily for five days. Do not exceed the dose of 800 mg/dose.

Patients must use condoms as a preventive measure during sexual contact.

When should Acivir 400mg not be used?

The use of Acyclovir is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to it or valacyclovir.

Use it cautiously in the following conditions:

Hepatic impairment
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Pre-existing serious neurologic
Renal insufficiency
Pulmonary abnormalities
Geriatrics
Obese patients
Patients with hypoxia

Infographics

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.

SKU	11
Generic For	Zovirax
Strength	400mg
Manufacturer	FDC
Active Ingredient	Acyclovir

Acivir 400mg