Cold Sore Tablets UK from £4.49 | Cured Pharmacy

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Cold Sore Tablets: Dosage Strengths & Treatment Options

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

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Aciclovir - Cold Sore Treatment

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Cold Sore Tablets UK Online: Aciclovir Dosage & Treatment Guide

Searching for effective cold sore tablets UK online with fast, discreet delivery? At Cured Pharmacy, we dispense prescription-strength aciclovir tablets following a free clinical assessment by UK-registered prescribers. Oral antiviral tablets offer systemic treatment that may reduce outbreak duration and severity when started early.

How Cold Sore Tablets Work

Aciclovir tablets contain an antiviral agent that inhibits herpes simplex virus (HSV) replication by interfering with viral DNA synthesis [1]. Unlike topical creams that work locally on the skin surface, oral tablets deliver the active ingredient systemically through your bloodstream, reaching infected cells throughout the body.

Clinical trials demonstrate that oral aciclovir, when initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset, can reduce healing time by an average of 1-2 days compared to placebo [1][2]. The medication works most effectively during the prodromal stage—that tingling sensation before visible blisters appear—making early treatment crucial for optimal outcomes.

Once absorbed, aciclovir is selectively activated by viral enzymes in infected cells, meaning it targets the virus whilst minimising effects on healthy tissue [3]. This selective mechanism explains why aciclovir maintains a favourable safety profile even with repeated use for recurrent outbreaks.

Aciclovir Tablet Dosage Strengths Explained

Aciclovir tablets are available in 200mg, 400mg, and 800mg strengths in the UK, though cold sore treatment typically uses the lower strengths. The 800mg tablets are generally reserved for more severe herpes infections or immunocompromised patients under specialist guidance.

Dosing should begin at the earliest sign of an outbreak—ideally during the tingling or redness phase before blisters form. Starting treatment after blisters have fully developed may still provide benefit, but the reduction in healing time becomes less pronounced [2].

Standard Treatment Dosages

For episodic treatment of cold sores, the typical UK-licensed dosage is 200mg taken five times daily for five days, or 400mg taken three times daily for five days [2]. Both regimens deliver similar therapeutic outcomes, though the three-times-daily schedule may improve adherence for patients with busy routines.

Your prescriber will determine the most appropriate dosage based on outbreak frequency, severity, and your medical history. Patients experiencing frequent recurrences (six or more outbreaks annually) may be considered for suppressive therapy, typically 400mg twice daily, which can reduce outbreak frequency by up to 80% in clinical studies [3][4].

Cold Sore Tablets vs Cream: Which Is More Effective?

Both oral tablets and topical creams contain aciclovir as the active antiviral ingredient, but they differ significantly in delivery method and clinical outcomes. Topical aciclovir 5% cream, available without prescription for around £4.49, works by direct application to the cold sore lesion and achieves high local concentrations at the site of infection.

Oral tablets, by contrast, require a prescription but offer systemic antiviral activity. A 2008 Cochrane review found that oral aciclovir reduced healing time more effectively than topical formulations, particularly when treatment was initiated early [4]. For patients with frequent or severe outbreaks, oral therapy may provide superior clinical benefit.

Topical creams suit mild, infrequent cold sores and offer the convenience of over-the-counter access. Oral tablets are typically reserved for more severe cases, frequent recurrences, or patients who prefer systemic treatment. Some individuals use combination therapy—tablets for systemic effect and cream for additional local relief—though this approach should be discussed with your prescriber.

Treatment Active Ingredient Administration Prescription Required Starting Price
Aciclovir Tablets Aciclovir 200mg/400mg Oral, 3-5 times daily Yes From £19.99
Numark Cold Sore Cream Aciclovir 5% Topical, 5 times daily No From £4.49
Valaciclovir Tablets Valaciclovir 500mg Oral, twice daily Yes Varies by pharmacy

Who Can Take Cold Sore Tablets UK?

Most adults and adolescents over 12 years can safely use prescription aciclovir tablets for cold sore treatment, subject to clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. The medication has been used for over four decades with an established safety profile across diverse patient populations.

Your online consultation at Cured Pharmacy will assess factors including current medications, existing health conditions, kidney function, and treatment history to ensure aciclovir is appropriate for you. All prescription medications require this clinical assessment before dispensing—there are no exceptions under UK pharmacy law.

Contraindications and Precautions

Aciclovir tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to aciclovir, valaciclovir, or any tablet excipients. Caution is advised in individuals with renal impairment, as aciclovir is primarily eliminated by the kidneys and dose adjustments may be necessary [5].

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss treatment with their healthcare provider. Whilst aciclovir has been used during pregnancy without evidence of increased foetal risk, prescription during pregnancy requires careful risk-benefit assessment by a UK prescriber [5]. The medication passes into breast milk in small amounts but is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Expected Timeline and Treatment Outcomes

When aciclovir tablets are started within 48 hours of symptom onset, most patients experience visible improvement within 2-3 days, with complete healing typically occurring by day 5-7 [2][4]. Without treatment, cold sores usually persist for 7-10 days, meaning early antiviral therapy can shorten outbreak duration by approximately 1-2 days on average.

The medication works progressively: initial doses begin inhibiting viral replication immediately, but visible clinical improvement requires time as your immune system clears infected cells and tissue repair occurs. Pain and discomfort often improve before the lesion fully heals.

For suppressive therapy in patients with frequent recurrences, clinical trials show that continuous daily aciclovir can reduce outbreak frequency by 70-80% and may prevent outbreaks entirely in some individuals [3][6]. This approach requires ongoing prescriber supervision and is typically reserved for those experiencing six or more outbreaks annually.

How to Order Cold Sore Tablets from Cured Pharmacy

At Cured Pharmacy, we believe in transparent pricing—you'll see the exact cost before completing your consultation, with no hidden fees or surprise charges at checkout. Our superintendent pharmacist Tarun Kumar (GPhC 2233073) and clinical team ensure every prescription meets MHRA standards and GPhC regulations.

All medications are sourced from UK-licensed wholesalers and dispensed from our GPhC-registered pharmacy (9012511). We never supply unlicensed or imported products, guaranteeing you receive genuine UK-approved aciclovir tablets with full patient information leaflets and usage guidance.

Simple Three-Step Process

Complete our free online consultation form in under 3 minutes. You'll answer questions about your medical history, current medications, and cold sore symptoms to help our UK prescribers assess suitability for treatment.

A UK-registered prescriber reviews your consultation, typically within hours. If aciclovir tablets are appropriate for you, they'll issue an NHS-valid prescription and our pharmacy team will dispense your medication in discreet, unmarked packaging with next-day delivery options available.

Scientific References

  1. Spruance, S. L., et al. (1990). Acyclovir cream for treatment of herpes simplex labialis: results of two randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, multicenter clinical trials. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 34(7), 1299-1303. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.34.7.1299
  2. Spruance, S. L., et al. (2003). High-dose, short-duration, early valacyclovir therapy for episodic treatment of cold sores: results of two randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 47(3), 1072-1080. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.47.3.1072-1080.2003
  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. Chi, C. C., et al. (2015). Interventions for prevention of herpes simplex labialis (cold sores on the lips). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(8), CD010095. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010095.pub2
  5. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. (2021). Aciclovir 200mg and 400mg Tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics. UK Medicines Information. Retrieved from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/
  6. Gilbert, S., et al. (2007). Suppressive therapy for recurrent herpes labialis with oral acyclovir: a systematic review. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 60(6), 1206-1215. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkm395

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.

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Faq

How quickly do cold sore tablets UK work?
Aciclovir tablets begin inhibiting viral replication within hours, but visible improvement typically appears within 2-3 days when treatment starts early. Complete healing usually occurs by day 5-7 in clinical trials.
Can I buy cold sore tablets UK without prescription?
No. Oral aciclovir tablets are prescription-only medicines in the UK and require clinical assessment by a registered prescriber before dispensing, though topical aciclovir cream is available over the counter.
What is the best dosage for aciclovir tablets?
The standard UK-licensed dosage for cold sores is either 200mg five times daily or 400mg three times daily for five days. Your prescriber will determine the most appropriate regimen based on your individual circumstances.
Are cold sore tablets better than cream?
Clinical evidence suggests oral aciclovir tablets reduce healing time more effectively than topical cream, particularly when started early. Tablets offer systemic antiviral activity whilst cream provides localised treatment for mild outbreaks.
Can I take aciclovir tablets every day?
Suppressive therapy with daily aciclovir (typically 400mg twice daily) may be prescribed for patients experiencing six or more outbreaks annually, reducing recurrence frequency by up to 80% in clinical studies.
Do cold sore tablets have side effects?
Aciclovir tablets are generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset in fewer than 10% of patients. Serious adverse effects are rare but require immediate medical attention.
How long does delivery take for cold sore tablets UK online?
Cured Pharmacy offers next-day delivery options once your prescription is approved by a UK prescriber. All medications are dispatched in discreet, unmarked packaging from our GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Can I use cold sore tablets while pregnant?
Aciclovir may be prescribed during pregnancy when clinical benefits outweigh potential risks, but this requires careful assessment by your prescriber. Always disclose pregnancy or breastfeeding status during your consultation.
Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist

Medically reviewed by

Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)

Last reviewed: 17 July 2026