Zovirax (Aciclovir) Tablets: Strengths, Pack Sizes and Prices

Zovirax is the well-known brand name for aciclovir tablets, an oral antiviral medicine used against herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections. We list Zovirax as tablets taken by mouth in three strengths, 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg, and we offer several pack sizes within each strength so you can pick the exact quantity that matches a treatment course or planned ongoing supply. This guide walks through what we currently offer, how the pack sizes compare in value, and what to consider before choosing an option at checkout.

What We Offer: Zovirax Strengths, Packs and Value

We currently carry Zovirax 200 mg tablets in packs of 180 and 360, Zovirax 400 mg tablets in packs of 60, 90, 120, 180, 270 and 360, and Zovirax 800 mg tablets in packs of 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 270 and 360. Every pack contains individually counted tablets, which makes it straightforward to compare packs on a per-tablet basis rather than judging value from the total price alone. Because an episodic course and a longer suppressive course can call for very different tablet counts, having several pack sizes lets you order closer to what you actually expect to use rather than rounding up to a single fixed box.

Before comparing package value, check these three points:

• The strength and dosing schedule specified by your prescriber.
• The number of tablets needed to complete the planned course or supply period.
• Whether the pack can reasonably be used before its stated expiry date.

Comparing the 200 mg Packs by Value

The comparison below sets out the exact prices, cost per tablet and relative saving between our two available 200 mg pack sizes, so you can see whether the larger pack meaningfully reduces your per-tablet cost for your planned supply.

A lower cost per tablet is only one part of a sensible choice. Zovirax tablets retain their stated shelf life when kept in accordance with the storage instructions, so a larger pack represents good value only if you genuinely expect to use it. That may be relevant for a prescribed suppressive regimen, recurrent episodes managed under clinical guidance, or a planned supply that reduces how often you need to reorder. If you are treating a single episode, a pack that closely matches the course length your prescriber set out will usually make more practical sense than buying purely for a lower unit price.

How Do You Choose Between the 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg Tablets?

The strength prescribed for you depends on the infection, dosing schedule, kidney function and other individual factors rather than on price. For herpes simplex infections, established adult regimens may use 200 mg five times daily for around five days, while suppressive treatment may use 200 mg four times daily or 400 mg twice daily. Treatment may be extended in severe initial infections. Shingles and chickenpox generally require higher total daily doses, which is why 800 mg tablets are available; a common adult regimen is 800 mg five times daily for seven days. These examples do not replace the directions supplied by your prescriber, which should determine both the strength and quantity you order.

Strength, Typical Use and Pack Sizes at a Glance

Suppressive treatment can continue for months when clinically appropriate, while episodic treatment is usually much shorter. Larger packs can also cover more than one planned course, but only when that approach has been discussed with a prescriber and the tablets will remain within their expiry date. Match the quantity to the specific strength and schedule you have been given rather than assuming that a larger pack or higher strength provides better value.

Zovirax, Generic Aciclovir and Related Antivirals

Zovirax is the original branded formulation of aciclovir, and it remains a recognisable name for this antiviral among prescribers and patients alike. Generic aciclovir tablets contain the same active ingredient in corresponding strengths and are often a lower-cost alternative, though we focus this listing specifically on the Zovirax brand. Excipients and tablet appearance can differ between branded and generic products, so anyone with a known ingredient sensitivity should check the applicable patient information leaflet.

For herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections, some prescribers instead choose valaciclovir or famciclovir. Valaciclovir is converted into aciclovir in the body, while famciclovir is converted into penciclovir. Their dosing schedules can be less frequent in some clinical settings. We also list Valtrex (valaciclovir) and Famvir (famciclovir) in our catalogue, and either may be worth discussing with your prescriber if dosing frequency, treatment history or suitability is more important than pack price. You can also browse our AntiVirals section to view other relevant options.

What Zovirax Tablets Are Used For

Aciclovir tablets are established treatments for herpes simplex virus infections, including cold sores around the mouth and genital herpes, and for varicella-zoster virus infections, including shingles and chickenpox. In people with frequent recurrent genital herpes, aciclovir can also be used as longer-term suppressive treatment to reduce how often episodes occur. In people with a weakened immune system, prescribers may use aciclovir to help prevent herpesvirus infections from developing.

Across these uses, the tablets treat an active episode, suppress recurrences or provide prophylaxis; they do not eradicate the underlying virus, which remains latent in the body between episodes. Treatment is generally most effective when started promptly at the stage advised by a healthcare professional. The correct indication, start time and course length vary, so tablets left from a previous episode should not automatically be used for a new set of symptoms without suitable advice.

How Aciclovir Works and How the Tablets Are Taken

Aciclovir is a nucleoside analogue. Once inside a cell infected with herpes simplex or varicella-zoster virus, a viral enzyme converts it into an active form that inhibits viral DNA polymerase and stops the virus from copying its genetic material. Because this activation step depends largely on a viral enzyme, aciclovir acts more selectively in infected cells than in healthy cells.

Practical administration points include:

• Swallow the tablets with water and follow the exact dose intervals on your label or prescription instructions.
• Take them with or without food; taking a dose with food may be more comfortable if nausea occurs.
• Maintain adequate fluid intake, particularly when using higher doses or if you are older or at risk of kidney impairment.
• Complete the prescribed course even if symptoms begin to improve, unless a healthcare professional tells you to stop.
• If you miss a dose, follow the patient information leaflet and do not take a double dose to compensate.

Aciclovir is cleared mainly through the kidneys. Older adults and people with impaired kidney function may need a lower dose or longer interval between doses. For longer treatment or for patients at increased risk, a clinician may monitor kidney function and hydration. Seek advice rather than changing the strength or splitting the planned daily dose yourself.

What Should You Know About Side Effects and Interactions Before Ordering?

Aciclovir tablets are generally well tolerated, but like any medicine they have a recognised side-effect profile. Commonly reported effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, itching, rash, tiredness and fever. Drowsiness and, less commonly, confusion or other neurological effects can occur, particularly at high doses, in older adults or in people with reduced kidney function. Do not drive or operate machinery if dizziness, drowsiness or confusion affects you.

Aciclovir is contraindicated in people with known hypersensitivity to aciclovir, valaciclovir or an excipient in the tablets; an unrelated allergy history is not by itself a reason to avoid it. Probenecid and cimetidine can reduce aciclovir clearance, while other medicines that affect kidney function may increase the need for caution or monitoring. Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about kidney problems and all medicines you use before starting treatment.

Obtain professional advice before taking Zovirax if any of the following applies:

• You have kidney disease, are dehydrated or have previously had kidney problems with antiviral treatment.
• You are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
• You are taking probenecid, cimetidine, mycophenolate or another medicine that may affect kidney function.
• The medicine is intended for a child, as paediatric doses vary with age and indication.
• You develop reduced urination, marked drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, a severe rash, facial swelling or breathing difficulty.

Aciclovir passes into breast milk, so caution and individual clinical assessment are advised during breastfeeding. Use during pregnancy is generally considered only when the expected benefit outweighs any potential risk. The patient information leaflet included with the tablets provides the complete warnings and adverse-effect information.

Is a Prescription Required for Zovirax Tablets in the United Kingdom?

Oral aciclovir tablets, including Zovirax, are classified as prescription-only medicines in the United Kingdom, and the NHS publishes patient information covering their use and safety. That regulatory classification describes how aciclovir tablets are controlled under UK medicines law. The authorisation status of a particular Zovirax tablet presentation also depends on its strength, pharmaceutical form and marketing authorisation holder rather than on the brand name alone.

Separately, our ordering policy for Zovirax does not require you to send us a prescription document for us to accept an order. You can select a strength and pack size and complete our checkout without first uploading one. This ordering process does not change the medicine's UK prescription-only classification or replace an individual assessment by a prescriber. Aciclovir may also be supplied on an NHS prescription when clinically appropriate, and prescription charges and exemptions vary between UK nations. Suspected side effects can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Ordering, Delivery and Receiving Your Zovirax Tablets

We have supported UK customers since 2010, and our support team is available 24 hours a day by email, online chat and phone, with a pharmacist available for medicine-specific questions before or after you order. Once you choose a strength and pack size, our checkout confirms the exact option selected and the total price in pounds sterling before payment.

Our team then packs and dispatches the order. Check that your delivery address and postcode are accurate before confirming checkout, and inspect the delivered package to ensure the strength and quantity match your order. Do not take tablets if the packaging appears damaged or the product details are not what you expected; contact our support team so we can review the order. If a question arises about delivery, storage or the supplied option, our support channels remain available around the clock rather than only during office hours.

Making the Value-Based Decision That Fits Your Course

Choosing the right Zovirax option comes down to matching three things: the strength specified by your prescriber, the length of the treatment or suppressive regimen, and the pack size that covers the planned supply without leaving tablets unused beyond their expiry. The lowest per-tablet price is not automatically the best choice if the quantity exceeds what you are likely to need or if the selected strength does not match your instructions.

Store the tablets at 15°C to 25°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, and keep them in their original packaging and out of the sight and reach of children. Check the expiry date before choosing a larger quantity and do not use tablets after that date. Once the clinical instructions, strength and required quantity are clear, comparing the exact prices and per-tablet value shown above for the available 200 mg packs provides a straightforward way to assess value and complete your order with confidence.