Available Dosages
| SKU: | 12 |
|---|---|
| Generic For: | Zovirax |
| Active Ingredient: | Acyclovir |
| Manufacturer: | Cipla, India |
Buy Acivir Dispersible Tablets 800mg (Acyclovir) for Herpes & Chickenpox
Shingles — the painful, blistering rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — can strike any adult who has had chickenpox, and the consequences extend far beyond the rash itself. The most feared complication, post-herpetic neuralgia, causes burning, stabbing nerve pain that can persist for months or even years after the blisters have healed. Acivir 800mg DT is the high-dose oral antiviral specifically designed for this battle. Unlike lower-dose Acyclovir formulations used for herpes simplex infections, the 800mg strength delivers the elevated drug concentrations that varicella-zoster virus demands — because VZV is inherently less sensitive to Acyclovir than HSV, requiring significantly higher plasma levels to suppress it effectively. Starting treatment within 72 hours of rash appearance with Acivir 800mg DT is the single most important step a patient can take to reduce the severity of the acute illness and lower their risk of long-term nerve pain.
What is Acivir 800mg DT?
Acivir 800mg DT is a high-strength oral dispersible tablet containing Acyclovir 800mg, manufactured by Cipla Ltd and formulated specifically for conditions that require maximum oral Acyclovir exposure. The 800mg strength is the standard adult treatment dose for herpes zoster (shingles) and varicella (chickenpox), where the varicella-zoster virus requires drug concentrations substantially higher than those needed to suppress herpes simplex infections. The dispersible tablet dissolves readily in water, enabling administration even during acute illness when swallowing solid tablets may be uncomfortable — particularly useful in elderly patients or those with oropharyngeal involvement. Each pack of 10 tablets provides approximately one-third to one-half of a complete shingles treatment course, making it easy to count and manage compliance during a short but intensive treatment regimen.
Manufacturer: Acivir 800mg DT is manufactured by Cipla Ltd, a globally respected pharmaceutical company with decades of expertise in antiviral drug development and a market-leading position in Acyclovir formulations across multiple strengths and delivery forms under the trusted Acivir brand.
Key Ingredients of Acivir 800mg DT and Their Working Process
Acyclovir 800mg — the active ingredient — belongs to the synthetic purine nucleoside analogue class of antiviral agents. Its mechanism at this high dose is critically matched to the biology of varicella-zoster virus:
- Why 800mg specifically? The varicella-zoster virus is approximately 10 times less susceptible to Acyclovir than the herpes simplex virus. This intrinsic difference arises because VZV thymidine kinase — the viral enzyme that activates Acyclovir — converts it to its monophosphate form less efficiently than HSV thymidine kinase does. To compensate, the 800mg dose achieves peak plasma concentrations roughly double those of the 400mg dose, overcoming VZV’s lower susceptibility and achieving clinically effective intracellular Acyclovir triphosphate concentrations within VZV-infected cells.
- Selective viral activation: Only virus-infected cells contain viral thymidine kinase in sufficient quantities to phosphorylate Acyclovir to its active monophosphate form — uninfected host cells are essentially untouched, explaining Acyclovir’s excellent safety profile even at high doses
- DNA chain termination: Once converted to Acyclovir triphosphate, it competes with the natural substrate deoxyguanosine triphosphate at the viral DNA polymerase. When incorporated into the growing viral DNA strand, Acyclovir triphosphate acts as an absolute chain terminator — viral DNA replication stops, preventing production of new VZV particles.
- Reducing post-herpetic neuralgia risk: By suppressing viral replication early, high-dose Acyclovir reduces the degree of neuronal damage caused by VZV, which travels along sensory nerve fibres from the dorsal root ganglion to the skin. Less neuronal damage translates to a reduced incidence and severity of post-herpetic neuralgia — the primary clinical goal of early shingles treatment in adults over 50.
Clinical Uses of Acyclovir 800mg
The 800mg dose is reserved for conditions where varicella-zoster virus is the pathogen — not for routine herpes simplex management:
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles): The primary indication. The standard regimen is 800mg five times daily (every 4 hours, skipping the night dose) for 7 days, initiated within 72 hours of rash onset. Treatment accelerates healing, reduces peak pain, shortens viral shedding, and significantly reduces the incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia — particularly in patients over 50 where PHN risk is highest.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) in Adults: Chickenpox is far more severe in adults than in children, carrying real risks of viral pneumonia, hepatitis, and encephalitis. Acyclovir 800mg four times daily for 5 days in adults reduces fever duration, rash extent, and systemic complications when started early.
- Varicella in Immunocompromised Patients: Patients on immunosuppressants, chemotherapy, or those with HIV are at high risk of severe or disseminated VZV — high-dose oral Acyclovir bridges treatment while intravenous options are assessed
- Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: VZV involving the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve affecting the eye requires high-dose Acyclovir — the 800mg oral dose is used alongside topical ophthalmic therapy to prevent corneal scarring and vision loss
Related strengths and products: AllDayChemist carries the complete Acivir range — Acivir 400mg DT for herpes simplex treatment and long-term suppression therapy, and Acivir Cream 10gm (Acyclovir 5%) for topical management of cold sores and superficial herpes skin lesions.
Key Benefits of Acivir 800mg DT
- Purpose-built for shingles — the only oral dose that achieves plasma concentrations sufficient to suppress varicella-zoster virus effectively
- Reduces post-herpetic neuralgia risk — early treatment at this dose is proven to lower the incidence of the most debilitating shingles complication.
- Accelerates rash healing — shortens the duration of blistering and promotes faster crusting and resolution
- Reduces acute shingles pain — patients treated early experience less peak pain intensity during the acute phase
- Dispersible formulation — dissolves in water for easy administration in elderly patients or those with difficulty swallowing during illness.
- Trusted Cipla manufacturing — produced to international GMP standards with consistent bioavailability
- Cost-effective — equivalent antiviral efficacy to Zovirax 800mg at a significantly lower price
Usage warnings and precautionary advice for using Acyclovir 800mg
- Renal impairment: Acyclovir is eliminated entirely by the kidneys; dose intervals must be extended in patients with reduced creatinine clearance (CrCl < 25 mL/min). Consult your physician for adjusted dosing if you have kidney disease
- Hydration: Inadequate fluid intake during high-dose Acyclovir therapy can lead to Acyclovir crystallisation in the renal tubules, causing acute kidney injury — maintain high urine output throughout treatment
- Elderly patients: Renal function naturally declines with age — older patients should ensure particularly good hydration and may require physician assessment of renal function before completing a full high-dose course
- Neurological symptoms: High-dose Acyclovir can rarely cause confusion, tremor, or agitation, particularly in patients with renal impairment — seek immediate medical review if neurological symptoms develop
- Pregnancy: Use only when the potential benefit outweighs the risk — discuss with your physician
- 72-hour window: Treatment started more than 72 hours after rash onset provides diminishing benefit in herpes zoster — consult your physician promptly when shingles is suspected
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Side effects of Acyclovir 800mg
Acivir 800mg DT is generally well tolerated at the doses used for shingles and chickenpox. Side effects include:
- Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort — taking with food reduces GI effects; headache; dizziness; fatigue
- Less common: Rash, photosensitivity; mild elevation of liver enzymes (usually transient)
- Uncommon but clinically important: Renal impairment, particularly with inadequate hydration — characterised by rising creatinine and reduced urine output; increase fluid intake and monitor renal function in at-risk patients
- Rare: Neurological effects, including confusion, hallucinations, and encephalopathy — almost exclusively in patients with renal impairment who have elevated plasma Acyclovir levels; haematological changes, including anaemia and leucopenia
Report any neurological symptoms, reduced urine output, or significant gastrointestinal distress promptly to your physician.
Benefits of Buying Acivir 800mg DT Online
Shingles demands fast action — the 72-hour treatment window makes ready access to the right medication critical. AllDayChemist provides a convenient, reliable way to order Acivir 800mg DT at competitive prices with the assurance of an authentic, Cipla-manufactured product. Whether you are managing an active outbreak or preparing for contingencies, AllDayChemist’s secure ordering platform, fast processing, and dependable international delivery ensure the medication reaches you when it matters most. Discreet packaging and a straightforward repeat-order system make AllDayChemist the trusted pharmacy partner for managing viral infections on your own schedule. Access a wide range of herpes medicines to choose the prescribed dosage and an affordable option.
Proper dosage and usage guide of Acyclovir 800mg DT
- For herpes zoster (shingles): Take 800mg (one tablet) five times daily, every 4 hours during waking hours (e.g., 6 am, 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm, 10 pm), for 7 days. Start as soon as possible — ideally within 24–48 hours of rash onset, and no later than 72 hours
- For chickenpox in adults: Take 800mg four times daily for 5 days
To use as a dispersible tablet: Place the tablet in a small glass of water, allow it to dissolve completely (1–2 minutes), stir briefly, and drink the solution immediately. Alternatively, swallow whole with a full glass of water if preferred
- Take with or without food — food does not significantly affect Acyclovir absorption
- Hydration is important — drink at least 2–3 litres of fluid per day throughout the course to protect the kidneys; Acyclovir is excreted renally and can crystallise in the renal tubules if urine flow is low
- Complete the full 7-day course even if the rash begins improving before treatment ends
- If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, then continue at equally spaced intervals for the remainder of the day — do not double up
What is Acivir Dispersible Tablets 800mg prescribed for, and which patients benefit most from it?
Acivir Dispersible Tablets 800mg contains acyclovir, an antiviral medicine that treats infections caused by herpes viruses. It works against cold sores, genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. The dispersible tablet form dissolves easily in water, making it helpful for patients who struggle swallowing regular pills. Your doctor will prescribe this based on which virus infection you have and how severe it is.
How does Acyclovir work inside the body?
Acyclovir stops herpes viruses from multiplying inside your cells. When the virus tries to copy itself and spread, acyclovir blocks the enzyme that controls this copying process. This slows down the infection and gives your immune system time to fight back. The virus cannot develop resistance to acyclovir easily, making it effective for long-term use when needed.
Food and alcohol: should I take this tablet with food, and is alcohol safe during treatment?
You can take Acivir Dispersible Tablets with or without food. Taking it with food may help if the tablet upsets your stomach. Alcohol does not directly interact with acyclovir, but drinking heavily can weaken your immune system and slow your recovery. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water while taking this medicine, as dehydration can increase side effects.
How should I store these tablets at home to keep them safe and effective?
Store Acivir Dispersible Tablets in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep them in their original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store them in the bathroom or kitchen where moisture builds up. Keep the tablets away from children and pets. Check the expiry date before taking any tablet from the pack.
What should I do if I accidentally take more tablets than prescribed?
If you take more tablets than prescribed, do not panic. Contact your poison control center or emergency services immediately if you experience severe symptoms like confusion, difficulty passing urine, or unusual drowsiness. For mild overdose, drink plenty of water and monitor yourself. Never take an extra dose to make up for a missed one. Always use a dosing reminder to prevent accidental overdose.
How soon does Acivir Dispersible Tablets 800mg start working, and what changes should I expect?
Acivir begins working within hours of your first dose, though you may not feel relief immediately. Pain and tingling typically improve within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Blisters progress more slowly and take one to two weeks to crust over and heal fully. Starting treatment early, within seventy-two hours of symptom onset, gives the best results.
What are the most important safety warnings I need to know before taking Acivir Dispersible Tablets 800mg?
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a weakened immune system before starting acyclovir. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir. Drink extra fluids while taking this tablet to protect your kidneys. Do not share your medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms. Some people experience dizziness, so avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
How does the generic version, Acivir Dispersible Tablets 800mg, compare to the Zovirax brand and other treatments for anti-viral?
Acivir contains the same active ingredient, acyclovir, as the original brand-name version, Zovirax and works identically in your body. Generic versions like Acivir dispersible tablets 800mg cost significantly less while maintaining the same strength and effectiveness. The dispersible tablet form offers an advantage for patients who find swallowing difficult. Other antivirals, such as famciclovir and valacyclovir, are chemically distinct but treat similar herpes infections. Your doctor makes the choice based on your specific needs.
How long do I need to take Acivir Dispersible Tablets 800mg, and is it safe to stop suddenly?
Treatment length depends on your infection type and severity, typically ranging from five to ten days for acute infections. Never stop taking acyclovir abruptly without consulting your doctor, as incomplete treatment may allow the virus to resurface. For recurrent infections or shingles, your doctor may prescribe longer courses. Always complete the full course even if symptoms disappear before you finish your tablets.
How does Acivir Dispersible Tablets 800mg compare to valacyclovir, and when would a doctor choose one over the other?
Both acyclovir and valacyclovir treat herpes infections effectively, but valacyclovir requires fewer daily doses because your body converts it to acyclovir. Acyclovir needs more frequent dosing throughout the day. Doctors may choose acyclovir for kidney problems since lower doses work well. Valacyclovir suits patients who prefer simpler dosing schedules. Cost and individual tolerance also influence which medicine your doctor recommends.
What should I tell my doctor or pharmacist before I start taking Acivir Dispersible Tablets 800mg?
Inform your doctor about all existing health conditions, especially kidney disease, liver problems, dehydration, or immune system disorders. List all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you currently take, as some interact with acyclovir. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy. Mention any allergies to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or other medicines. Provide accurate information about alcohol use and any previous adverse reactions to antivirals.
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