Acyclovir 400 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Genital herpes – first attacks, repeat attacks and long-term prevention; Shingles (herpes zoster) and chickenpox, when started early.
Listed MRPs range from ₹4.12 to ₹14.69 per tablet across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aciclovir Tablets IP 400 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹41.25 | ₹4.12 | 19 October 2026 |
| Acloveer 400 | Knoll Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹142.50 | ₹14.25 | 19 October 2026 |
| Herpikind 400 DT | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹145.81 | ₹14.58 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zovirax 400 | Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹146.75 | ₹14.68 | 19 October 2026 |
| Herperax 400 | Micro Labs Ltd | 10 | ₹146.84 | ₹14.68 | 19 October 2026 |
| Acivir 400 DT | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹146.89 | ₹14.69 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ocuvir 400 DT | FDC Ltd | 5 | ₹73.43 | ₹14.69 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Genital herpes – first attacks, repeat attacks and long-term prevention.
- Shingles (herpes zoster) and chickenpox, when started early.
- Cold sores and herpes infections of the mouth that are severe or frequent.
- Preventing herpes infections in people with weak immunity.
How to take it
Start the tablets as soon as possible after symptoms begin – ideally within 48 hours of the rash. Take them as prescribed, usually 400 mg three to five times a day depending on the infection, swallowed whole with water or dispersed in a glass of water, with or without food. Drink plenty of water during the course to protect your kidneys. Courses are typically 5 to 10 days for an attack; long-term prevention is lower-dose daily use reviewed by your doctor. Complete the course even if the sores heal early. See a doctor if you pass very little urine, become confused or the rash spreads near the eye.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach ache.
- Headache.
- Dizziness or feeling faint on standing.
- Tiredness, skin rash or sensitivity to sunlight.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Passing little or no urine (kidney problems) – drink water and seek help.
- Yellow skin or eyes, itchy skin (liver problems).
- Confusion, hallucinations or tremor, especially in older people or with kidney disease.
- Severe allergic reaction – swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
Safety information
Alcohol
You can drink alcohol in moderation with aciclovir, but stay well hydrated.
Pregnancy
Can usually be used in pregnancy when needed – check with your doctor. Tell your doctor before taking tablets while breastfeeding.
Kidney problems
The dose is reduced in kidney disease and you must drink plenty of fluids. Tell your doctor about any kidney problem.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; liver problems are a rare side effect.
Children
Used in children for chickenpox and shingles at a weight-based dose set by a doctor.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never take two doses together.
Interactions
- Probenecid (gout) and cimetidine – raise aciclovir levels.
- Mycophenolate (after transplant) – levels of both can rise.
- Other kidney-stressing medicines – ibuprofen, diclofenac, some antibiotics – add to kidney risk, especially if dehydrated.
- Theophylline – levels may rise; tell your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day should I take Acivir 400?
It depends on the infection – commonly three times a day for genital herpes and five times a day for shingles or chickenpox. Follow your doctor's prescription exactly and start as early as possible.
Zovirax 400 vs Zovirax 800 – what is the difference?
Both are aciclovir. 400 mg is the usual dose for genital herpes and prevention; 800 mg five times a day is the standard dose for shingles and chickenpox in adults. Your doctor picks by condition.
Should I take Acivir 400 with food?
It can be taken with or without food. What matters more is spacing the doses evenly through the day and drinking plenty of water.
How long does Zovirax take to work?
It starts limiting the virus within a day, but sores still take several days to heal. It works best when started within 48 hours of symptoms – the earlier, the better.
Can I take Acivir 400 with alcohol?
Moderate alcohol is not known to interact with aciclovir, but stay well hydrated because dehydration increases the risk of kidney side effects.
Is Zovirax 400 safe in pregnancy?
Aciclovir can usually be used in pregnancy when treatment is needed, for example for genital herpes near delivery. Check with your doctor first.
Does Acivir cure herpes?
No. It controls outbreaks, speeds healing and reduces spread, but the virus stays in the body. Daily low-dose aciclovir can reduce how often attacks happen.
Can I give Acivir 400 DT to my child for chickenpox?
Only if a doctor prescribes it. Aciclovir is used in children for chickenpox and shingles at a dose based on weight; the DT tablet can be dispersed in water.
Is Zovirax available without prescription in India?
Aciclovir tablets are Schedule H and need a prescription. Some aciclovir creams for cold sores are sold at chemists without one.
Sources
- NHS – Aciclovir (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms