If you’ve ever dealt with a cold sore or genital outbreak, you know how frustrating it can be. The good news is that modern antivirals make flare‑ups manageable and can even keep them from happening in the first place. Below we break down the three drugs most doctors prescribe, when to take each, and simple tricks to get the best results.
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is the oldest kid on the block. It’s cheap, widely available, and works well for both oral and genital herpes. Typical dosing is 200 mg five times a day during an outbreak, or 400 mg twice daily for suppressive therapy. Side effects are usually mild—think headache or nausea—but they rarely force you to stop.
Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is basically acyclovir’s faster‑acting cousin. Your body turns it into acyclovir, so you need fewer pills. For an outbreak you might take 1 g twice daily for two days; for suppression a single 500 mg tablet each night often does the trick. Many people prefer it because the schedule is simpler and it tends to reduce the number of new sores.
Famciclovir (Famvir) is another option that’s especially popular in Europe but available here too. It converts to penciclovir inside you, giving a longer half‑life than acyclovir. A typical outbreak dose is 250 mg three times a day for five days, while suppressive therapy usually means 500 mg twice daily. Some patients report fewer breakthrough lesions with famciclovir.
Abortive treatment is the fastest way to stop a sore in its tracks. Start your antiviral as soon as you feel the tingling or see the first spot—ideally within 24 hours. The earlier you act, the less severe the outbreak.
Suppressive therapy works best if you have frequent outbreaks (four or more a year) or if you’re worried about passing the virus to a partner. Taking a low dose every night keeps the virus on lockdown, cutting both the number of sores and the chance of transmission.
If you only get a cold sore once a year, abortive treatment is enough—no need for daily meds. For genital herpes, many doctors suggest trying suppressive therapy after two years of recurring episodes, especially if it’s affecting your relationship or confidence.
Remember to stay hydrated, avoid tight clothing during an outbreak, and keep the area clean. Over‑the‑counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can ease discomfort, but they don’t replace prescription antivirals.
Finally, talk openly with your healthcare provider. They’ll check kidney function (since all three drugs are cleared by the kidneys) and adjust doses if you have other health issues. With the right antiviral plan, herpes becomes a manageable part of life rather than a constant worry.
© 2025. All rights reserved.
