Acyclovir is an antiviral medication. This means it works in your body in opposition to the herpes virus. Herpes infections are caused by different types of herpes viruses. The most common are:

• herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1), which is the type of herpes virus that causes cold sores or fever blisters, and sometimes genital herpes
• herpes simplex-2 (HSV-2), which is the most common cause of genital herpes
• herpes zoster, which causes chicken pox and shingles

There is no cure for herpes. Once the virus is in your body it stays there. But most of the time, it doesn’t cause any symptoms. Sometimes, though, certain things can trigger an outbreak of the herpes infection, which results in painful and bothersome symptoms.

Medications such as Acyclovir can help you cope with these symptoms and feel better more quickly.