Zovirax (Acyclovir)

Zovirax
4.017 ratingsReviews
Generic:
Acyclovir
Indications:
herpes
Analogs:
Aciclovir Valacyclovir Valtrex Famciclovir Famvir Penciclovir Denavir Docosanol Abreva Sitavig Xerese
In stock: 10 packs
AdultsPregnancyAllergiesDiabetesBreastfeedingChildrenDriving

Dosages

Zovirax 200 mg

Quantity Price per tablet You save Total price
180 A$0.90 - A$162.64
360 A$0.79 A$39.52 A$285.76

Zovirax 400 mg

Quantity Price per tablet You save Total price
60 A$2.23 - A$133.76
90 A$2.01 A$19.76 A$180.88
120 A$1.93 A$36.48 A$231.04
180 A$1.77 A$82.08 A$319.20
270 A$1.70 A$142.88 A$459.04
360 A$1.67 A$200.64 A$601.92

Zovirax 800 mg

Quantity Price per tablet You save Total price
30 A$7.09 - A$212.80
60 A$5.35 A$104.88 A$320.72
90 A$4.80 A$206.72 A$431.68
120 A$4.53 A$307.04 A$544.16
180 A$4.24 A$513.76 A$763.04
270 A$4.05 A$822.32 A$1,092.88
360 A$3.95 A$1,132.40 A$1,421.20

Manufacturers

Aliud Pharma GmbHApotex Inc.Atlantic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Cipla LimitedGlaxoSmithKlineLaboratorios Normon S.A.ratiopharm GmbHSandozTeva Canada LimitedZenlabs Pharmaceutical Inc.

Payment & Delivery

Package Example

Your order is carefully packed and ships within 24 hours. Here is what a typical package looks like.

Sized like a regular personal letter (approximately 24x11x0.7 cm), with no indication of what is inside.

Front View
Front View
Side View
Side View
Back View
Back View
Delivery Times
Delivery MethodEstimated delivery
Express Free for orders over A$456.00Estimated delivery to Australia: 4-7 days
Standard Free for orders over A$304.00Estimated delivery to Australia: 14-21 days
EMSAustralia Post
Payment Methods
VisaMastercardBitcoin, USDTApple PayGoogle PayEftposAfterpayZippayKlarnaPayPal

Discount Coupons

  • Australia Day - 26 January 2026 10% AUSDAY10
  • Labour Day - 2 March 2026 6% LABOUR6
  • ANZAC Day - 25 April 2026 8% ANZAC8
  • King's Birthday - 8 June 2026 7% KING7
  • Boxing Day - 26 December 2026 12% BOXING12

FAQ

A prescription is required to obtain acyclovir tablets from local pharmacies in Australia. However, our store policy allows you to order them from us without a prescription and have them sent by mail.

Take acyclovir for the length of treatment prescribed for the infection being managed, even if symptoms start to settle sooner. Treatment duration varies between conditions, and some people use acyclovir as ongoing suppressive treatment, so do not stop early or extend a course without checking the plan with the prescriber.

Yes. Zovirax and generic versions contain acyclovir as the active ingredient. The tablet strength may be the same, but packaging, appearance and inactive ingredients can differ between products.

Acyclovir tablets are antiviral medicines used for infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, shingles and chickenpox. They may also be used to treat or suppress recurrent herpes simplex infections when clinically appropriate.

Description

Note: Images in the description are provided for informational purposes and may differ from the actual appearance of the product. Please refer to the product name, strength, active ingredients, and dosage form.

About Zovirax (Acyclovir)

Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine used to help treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It works by slowing the growth and spread of the virus. In Australia, it is commonly prescribed in general practice and dermatology to help symptoms improve faster when taken as directed, although it does not remove these viruses from the body.

Aciclovir

What oral acyclovir tablets/capsules are used for

  • Shingles (herpes zoster)
  • Genital herpes (initial and recurrent episodes)
  • Chickenpox (varicella)

Zovirax is available in different forms

In Australia, the brand name Zovirax (acyclovir) and generic acyclovir may be available in several dosage forms. Do not mix up the instructions for different forms.

  • Oral: tablets, capsules and oral suspension
  • Topical: cream 5% and ointment 5%
  • IV (hospital use): acyclovir for injection (intravenous)

When to use tablets vs cream vs ointment

Form Where/how it's used When it's typically chosen Labelled use
Oral acyclovir (tablets/capsules/suspension) Taken by mouth When treatment throughout the body is needed (for example, shingles, chickenpox or genital herpes) Shingles, genital herpes (initial/recurrent), chickenpox
Zovirax Cream 5% Applied to the affected area on the lips/face only (not in the eyes, mouth, nose or genitals) For recurrent cold sores/fever blisters; start as early as possible Recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent adults and adolescents ≥12
Zovirax Ointment 5% Applied to the skin (cutaneous use; not in the eyes) For certain HSV skin or mucosal outbreaks when this form is specifically prescribed; not recommended for routine cold sores on the lips Initial genital herpes; limited mucocutaneous HSV in certain immunocompromised patients

Why Zovirax comes as both tablets and capsules

Acyclovir has been available in different oral dosage forms. Historically, 200 mg was commonly supplied as capsules, while 400 mg and 800 mg were commonly supplied as tablets. The main difference is the dosage form and the strengths available, which can affect convenience, including how many units you need to take each day.

For example, an 800 mg dose can reduce the number of pills compared with taking multiple 200 mg units.

When 800 mg is used

Oral acyclovir 800 mg is commonly used in labelled regimens for shingles (herpes zoster) and chickenpox (varicella). Your prescriber will choose the dose and schedule based on the infection, age/weight, kidney function and clinical severity.

Zovirax vs Valtrex (acyclovir vs valacyclovir)

Feature Zovirax / Acyclovir Valtrex / Valacyclovir
What it is Acyclovir (active antiviral) Valacyclovir (a prodrug converted to acyclovir)
Dosing convenience Often needs to be taken more often for some conditions Often needs to be taken less often for some conditions
Cold sores (herpes labialis) Topical cream is the intended option; oral acyclovir may be used off-label if prescribed Oral valacyclovir has a labelled regimen for cold sores
Cost & availability Often lower cost because generic versions are widely available May be more convenient but can cost more depending on the market

Dosing table

The table below summarises commonly referenced labelled regimens. If a form is not used or not labelled for a condition, it is shown as a dash.

Clinical studies in Australia
Clinical studies in Australia on acyclovir have mainly looked at its use in treating and suppressing herpes simplex virus infections, including genital herpes, and in managing varicella-zoster virus infections such as shingles. Overall, these studies found that acyclovir shortens the duration of symptoms, reduces viral shedding and lowers how often recurrences happen when used as suppressive therapy. Australian research has also added to the evidence on dosing strategies, safety and use in immunocompromised patients, with findings broadly consistent with international results.
Condition Oral acyclovir (this product) Zovirax Cream 5% Zovirax Ointment 5%
Cold sores
(herpes labialis)
- (topical cream is the intended option for cold sores) Apply 5 times daily for 4 days
Start as early as possible.
-
Fever blisters
(same as cold sores)
- Apply 5 times daily for 4 days -
Chickenpox
(varicella)
Adults / >40 kg: 800 mg 4 times daily for 5 days
Children ≥2 years: 20 mg/kg per dose 4 times daily for 5 days (max 800 mg per dose)
- -
Initial genital herpes - - Apply a sufficient quantity to cover all lesions every 3 hours (6 times daily) for 7 days
Limited mucocutaneous HSV in certain immunocompromised patients - - Apply a sufficient quantity to cover all lesions every 3 hours (6 times daily) for 7 days

How to take oral acyclovir

  • Take it exactly as prescribed. Your dose, schedule and treatment length depend on the infection and your kidney function.
  • Stay well hydrated, especially if you are older or have kidney disease.
  • If you miss a dose, follow your prescriber's instructions. Do not double up unless you have been told to.

Precautions

  • Kidney disease / dehydration: there is a higher risk of kidney-related side effects, and your Australian prescriber may adjust the dose.
  • Drug interactions: tell your Australian clinician about all medicines, including OTC products and supplements. Some medicines can affect kidney function.
  • Pregnancy/breastfeeding: discuss the risks and benefits with your clinician in Australia.

Possible side effects

Side effects vary from person to person and depend on the dose. Contact a clinician promptly if you develop signs of an allergic reaction (rash/hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, trouble breathing), severe confusion, hallucinations or seizures.

How to store oral acyclovir

  • Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
  • Protect from moisture and keep out of reach of children.
  • Do not use after the expiry date on the carton.
Medically reviewed by
Brian Holtry
MD, infectious diseases specialist and medical writer
Updated 11 August 2026

Customer questions

Asked by Emily, Sydney, Australia

I'm in Sydney. Can I check with my postcode whether these acyclovir tablets can be delivered to my address before I order?

Answered by Support team

Yes. Enter your Sydney postcode at checkout to check whether delivery is available for your address before completing the order.

Asked by Lachlan, Ballarat, Australia

My parcel arrived in Ballarat after a very hot day. What should I check before taking the acyclovir tablets?

Answered by Support team

Check that the package and tablets are dry, intact and unchanged in appearance, then store them at 15°C to 25°C away from light and moisture. As the actual temperature and exposure time are unknown, do not use tablets that appear damaged or altered until the product has been checked.

Asked by Mia, Alice Springs, Australia

I live in Alice Springs rather than a major city. How can I find out whether you can deliver these tablets to me?

Answered by Support team

Enter your Alice Springs postcode at checkout to see whether delivery is available for your address. Delivery availability can vary by destination, so this should be confirmed before placing the order.

Asked by Noah, Bendigo, Australia

I have reduced kidney function and have been prescribed acyclovir tablets. Does that affect how I take them?

Answered by Support team
Medical reviewed by Donna Brettler

Yes. Acyclovir is mainly cleared through the kidneys, so the dose or interval may need adjustment when kidney function is reduced. The appropriate regimen depends on the infection being treated and kidney function, so confirm the prescribed directions rather than adjusting the tablets yourself.

Product specifications

Active ingredientAcyclovir
Drug classAntiviral
Dosage formTablet
Available strengths200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg
RouteOral
StorageStore at 15°C to 25°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture.
ATC codeJ05AB01

Regulatory information

More information