An Introduction to Dosing With Acyclovir
The dose of
acyclovir (
Zovirax®) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age and weight
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust this amount unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
Acyclovir Dose for Shingles
The recommended starting acyclovir dosage for the treatment of
shingles is 800 mg five times a day (about every four hours) for 7 to 10 days.
Acyclovir Dosages for Genital Herpes
The dose of acyclovir prescribed for
genital herpes depends on whether it is your first infection or you are taking the medication to prevent outbreaks.
First Infection
The recommended dose for treating an initial genital herpes infection is acyclovir 200 mg five times a day (about every four hours) for 10 days.
Later Outbreaks
For treatment of later outbreaks of genital herpes, after the first infection, the acyclovir dosage is 200 mg five times a day (about every four hours) for five days, starting at the first signs of an outbreak. The earlier the medication is started, the better it works.
HealthSavvy Sign In
|
