Acyclovir Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acyclovir used For?

Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat shingles, chickenpox, or genital herpes. It may also be used to treat other conditions.

When is oral acyclovir treatment appropriate for someone with varicella?

Oral acyclovir therapy is not routinely recommended by the AAP for otherwise healthy children experiencing uncomplicated cases of varicella. Certain groups at increased risk of developing severe disease should be considered for oral acyclovir therapy. These high risk groups include: healthy, nonpregnant persons 13 years and older; children older than 12 months with chronic cutaneous or pulmonary disorder and those receiving long-term salicylate therapy; children receiving short, intermittent or aerosolized courses of corticosteroids (data are lacking but acyclovir may be considered for this group); some physicians may elect to use oral acyclovir for secondary cases within a household.

For maximum benefit, oral acyclovir therapy should be initiated within the first 24 hours after rash onset.

When is intravenous acyclovir treatment appropriate for someone with varicella?

Intravenous acyclovir therapy is recommended for the treatment of primary varicella or recurrent zoster in the immunocompromised child and for viral-meditated complications (e.g., pneumonia) of varicella in the normal host.

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