Aciclovir Tablets UK from £4.49 | Cured Pharmacy

Clinically Proven UK Registered Pharmacy

Aciclovir Tablets - Official Cold Sore Treatment

UK-registered clinical team
Confidential and secure
No GP visit needed
Fast and discreet delivery
Genuine Products
UK-licensed only
Fast Delivery
Next-day available
Expert Advice
UK pharmacists
Woman using Cured Pharmacy online consultation for treatment
From £4.49 Starting dose — clinically approved
LIVE PRICING

Our Pricing

Pricing Disclaimer: Prices on some pages may not be up to date — the live pricing table below and pricing shown during consultation are official current prices and take precedence over any other figures on the site.

Numark Cold Sore Cream - Aciclovir - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Numark Cold Sore Cream - Aciclovir

From £4.49

Future orders save 5%
Buy Now
A
Treatment

Aciclovir - Cold Sore Treatment

From £19.99

Future orders save 5%
Buy Now

Aciclovir Tablets UK Online Pharmacy

Looking for aciclovir tablets uk online pharmacy access with transparent pricing and expert clinical support? At Cured Pharmacy, you'll find genuine UK-licensed aciclovir tablets from £4.49, with a free online consultation completed in under three minutes by our UK-registered prescribers. Our superintendent pharmacist Tarun Kumar (GPhC 2233073) ensures every prescription meets MHRA standards for safety and efficacy.

How Aciclovir Tablets Work Against Cold Sores

Aciclovir is an antiviral medication that specifically targets the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the primary cause of cold sores in the UK [1]. Unlike topical creams that work only on the skin surface, aciclovir tablets work systemically throughout your body, inhibiting viral DNA replication at the cellular level. This mechanism prevents the virus from multiplying and spreading to healthy cells.

Clinical trials demonstrate that oral aciclovir can reduce cold sore healing time by approximately 1-2 days when started early, and may decrease the severity of symptoms including pain, tingling, and visible lesions [1][2]. The medication is most effective when taken at the first sign of a cold sore outbreak — that characteristic tingling or burning sensation many patients recognise before blisters appear.

In our clinical experience at Cured Pharmacy, patients who maintain aciclovir tablets at home and start treatment immediately during the prodromal phase achieve the best outcomes. The standard prescription dose for cold sore treatment is 200mg five times daily for five days, though your UK prescriber will determine the most appropriate regimen based on your individual medical history [2].

Aciclovir Tablets vs Aciclovir Cream: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Both formulations contain the same active ingredient, but they differ significantly in how they deliver treatment. Topical aciclovir cream, such as our Numark Cold Sore Cream, works locally on the skin and is available without prescription for mild, infrequent outbreaks. It's applied directly to the cold sore five times daily.

Oral aciclovir tablets, by contrast, require a prescription and work systemically throughout your body. They're typically recommended for patients who experience frequent cold sore outbreaks (more than six per year), severe symptoms, or cold sores in sensitive areas. Tablets may also be prescribed for suppressive therapy in patients with recurrent herpes simplex infections [3].

Your UK prescriber will assess your outbreak frequency, symptom severity, and medical history to determine which formulation suits your needs. Some patients benefit from keeping both options available — using tablets for severe outbreaks and cream for milder episodes, subject to prescriber approval.

When to Consider Prescription Tablets

Consider requesting aciclovir tablets if you experience cold sore outbreaks more than twice yearly, if over-the-counter creams haven't provided adequate relief, or if your outbreaks significantly impact your quality of life. Patients with compromised immune systems may also require the more robust systemic treatment that tablets provide [3].

Aciclovir Dosage and Treatment Duration for Cold Sores

The standard aciclovir dosage for treating cold sore outbreaks in immunocompetent adults is 200mg taken five times daily for five days [2]. This frequent dosing schedule ensures consistent antiviral levels in your bloodstream, maximising the medication's effectiveness against viral replication.

For optimal results, start treatment as early as possible — ideally within the first 24-48 hours of noticing prodromal symptoms like tingling, itching, or burning. Clinical evidence shows that early intervention produces significantly better outcomes than delayed treatment [1][2].

Some patients may be prescribed higher doses (400mg five times daily) or longer treatment courses depending on outbreak severity and individual response. Your UK prescriber will tailor the regimen to your specific clinical presentation. Never adjust your prescribed dose without consulting your prescriber, as inadequate dosing may reduce treatment effectiveness.

Suppressive Therapy for Recurrent Cold Sores

Patients experiencing six or more cold sore outbreaks annually may be candidates for suppressive aciclovir therapy. This involves taking a lower daily dose (typically 400mg twice daily) continuously for 6-12 months to prevent outbreaks [3]. Clinical trials show this approach can reduce outbreak frequency by up to 80% in some patients, though individual results vary and require ongoing prescriber monitoring.

Treatment Type Prescription Required Starting Price
Aciclovir Tablets Oral systemic treatment Yes From £19.99
Numark Aciclovir Cream Topical cream No From £4.49

Common Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Aciclovir tablets are generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing no side effects. The most commonly reported adverse effects include headache, nausea, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which typically resolve without intervention [4]. Taking tablets with food may reduce stomach upset.

Rare but serious side effects include allergic reactions, kidney problems (particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment), and neurological symptoms such as confusion or tremors. These occur in fewer than 1% of patients but require immediate medical attention if they develop [4].

Your UK prescriber will review your medical history during the online consultation to identify any contraindications. Patients with kidney disease, those taking certain medications, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with compromised immune systems require special consideration before aciclovir is prescribed. Always disclose your complete medical history and current medications during your consultation to ensure safe prescribing.

How to Order Aciclovir Tablets Online from Cured Pharmacy

Ordering aciclovir tablets through Cured Pharmacy is straightforward and fully compliant with UK regulations. Start by completing our free online consultation, which takes under three minutes. You'll answer questions about your cold sore history, frequency of outbreaks, current medications, and relevant medical conditions.

A UK-registered prescriber reviews your consultation within hours. If aciclovir tablets are clinically appropriate for you, they'll issue a prescription electronically to our GPhC-registered pharmacy (9012511). We'll dispense your medication in discreet packaging and arrange delivery to your preferred address.

All our aciclovir tablets are UK-licensed medications sourced from reputable manufacturers and stored according to MHRA guidelines. You'll receive clear dosing instructions with your medication, and our clinical team remains available by phone (+44 116 4646009) if you have questions during your treatment course.

What Happens During Your Consultation

Our online consultation follows the same clinical standards as an in-person pharmacy consultation. You'll provide information about your cold sore symptoms, outbreak frequency, previous treatments tried, allergies, and current health conditions. This ensures your prescriber has all necessary information to make a safe, evidence-based prescribing decision. The consultation is completely confidential and reviewed only by qualified UK healthcare professionals.

Managing Cold Sores: Beyond Aciclovir Treatment

While aciclovir tablets effectively treat active cold sore outbreaks, comprehensive management includes identifying and avoiding your personal triggers. Common triggers include stress, illness, sun exposure, hormonal changes, and fatigue. Keeping a diary of your outbreaks may help identify patterns.

During an active outbreak, avoid touching the cold sore, sharing utensils or towels, and kissing or close contact with others, particularly infants and immunocompromised individuals. The herpes simplex virus is highly contagious during active lesions. Wash your hands frequently and consider using a separate towel until the outbreak fully heals.

Sun protection is particularly important for patients whose cold sores are triggered by UV exposure. Use a high-SPF lip balm and avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours. Stress management techniques, adequate sleep, and maintaining overall health may also reduce outbreak frequency, though individual responses vary. These lifestyle measures complement but don't replace antiviral treatment when outbreaks occur.

Scientific References

  1. Spruance, S. L., et al. (2003). Peroral famciclovir in the treatment of experimental ultraviolet radiation-induced herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, dose-ranging, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 187(10), 1500-1507. https://doi.org/10.1086/374877
  2. Spruance, S. L., et al. (1997). Acyclovir cream for treatment of herpes simplex labialis: results of two randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, multicenter clinical trials. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 41(7), 1367-1372. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.41.7.1367
  3. Rooney, J. F., et al. (1993). Oral acyclovir to suppress frequently recurring herpes labialis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 118(4), 268-272. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-118-4-199302150-00004
  4. Patel, R., & Alderson, S. (2005). Aciclovir: a review of its use in the management of herpes simplex virus infections. Drugs, 65(18), 2471-2487. https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200565180-00003

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. All prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

How it Works?

Select from our recommended UK-licensed medications.

1

Choose your treatment

Step 1: Choose your treatment from Cured Pharmacy

Select safe UK treatments. Quick answers.

2

Answer quick questions

Step 2: Answer quick consultation questions

We will deliver direct to you as quickly as tomorrow.

3

Get it delivered fast

Step 3: Fast discreet delivery to your door

Faq

Can I buy aciclovir tablets UK without seeing a doctor?
Aciclovir tablets are prescription-only in the UK, but you can complete a free online consultation with a UK prescriber at Cured Pharmacy. If clinically appropriate, your prescription will be issued electronically without needing a traditional GP appointment.
How quickly do aciclovir tablets work for cold sores?
When started at the first sign of symptoms, aciclovir tablets may reduce healing time by 1-2 days and decrease symptom severity. Most patients notice improvement within 2-3 days of starting treatment, though complete healing typically takes 7-10 days.
Can I take aciclovir tablets to prevent cold sores?
Yes, suppressive aciclovir therapy may be prescribed for patients with frequent outbreaks (six or more per year). This involves taking a lower daily dose continuously to reduce outbreak frequency, subject to UK prescriber approval.
What's the difference between 200mg and 400mg aciclovir tablets?
The 200mg dose taken five times daily is standard for treating cold sore outbreaks, while 400mg doses may be prescribed for more severe cases or for suppressive therapy. Your UK prescriber determines the appropriate strength based on your clinical needs.
Are aciclovir tablets safe during pregnancy?
Aciclovir has been used during pregnancy when clinically necessary, but requires careful prescriber assessment. Always inform your prescriber if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding during your consultation.
How should I store aciclovir tablets at home?
Store aciclovir tablets at room temperature (below 25°C) in their original packaging, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach of children and check the expiry date before use.
Can I drink alcohol while taking aciclovir tablets for cold sores?
Moderate alcohol consumption doesn't typically interfere with aciclovir effectiveness. However, alcohol may worsen side effects like nausea or headache, and excessive drinking can weaken your immune system, potentially prolonging cold sore healing.
Why are aciclovir tablets more expensive than aciclovir cream?
Aciclovir tablets require prescription oversight, clinical assessment, and provide systemic treatment throughout your body, while topical cream is available over the counter for local application. The tablet formulation involves more complex manufacturing and regulatory requirements, reflected in the pricing.
Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist

Medically reviewed by

Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)

Last reviewed: 17 July 2026