Acyclovir is a generic name of Zovirax – a popularly prescribed antiviral drug that stops the spread of the herpes virus. This gives your body a chance to fight off the virus therefore keeping it under control. Acyclovir is used to treat conditions caused by the herpes virus, including chicken pox, shingles, genital herpes and cold sores. Your symptoms can get better before the infection is completely treated. Continue taking this medicine even if you feel a lot better after just a few days of the treatment. While using acyclovir you can experience some of the side effects: nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, headache, swelling of your feet or hands.

This medicine is FDA pregnancy category B, which means it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. If you are planning on becoming pregnant during the period of treatment it’s very important that you tell your doctor about that as herpes can be passed from mother to the baby during childbirth. You mustn’t breastfeed while going through the treatment as acyclovir passes into breast milk and can affect the health or a nursing infant. Seek medical help if you experience unusual weakness, urinating less than usual, lower back pain, easy bleeding and bruising.