What's the Difference Between
Valacyclovir or Acyclovir
For Herpes?

Written by Kathleen Morrison
Medically Reviewed by Andrea Sleeth WHNP-BC, MSCP

So, you’ve been diagnosed with herpes (or maybe you’re just doing some proactive research—love that for you), and now you’re staring at two different meds: acyclovir and valacyclovir. What’s the difference? Which one should you go with? And do you really need to overthink it?

Both are solid options for handling herpes outbreaks, whether it’s cold sores, shingles, or genital herpes. Acyclovir has been around longer, with a solid track record, while valacyclovir is the newer, more convenient option that lets you take fewer pills per day. Some people swear by the OG, while others love the ease of the upgrade. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and what fits into your routine.

What’s the Difference?

So, you’ve heard about acyclovir and valacyclovir, but what’s the deal? They’re both prescription antiviral meds used to handle herpes outbreaks—whether it’s cold sores, shingles, or genital herpes—but they’re not exactly the same. If you’re wondering which one makes the most sense for you, let’s break it down in plain, no BS terms.

Wisp treatment options are available only after consultation with a licensed medical professional. You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary.

Acyclovir

Acyclovir has been holding it down in the herpes care world for a long time. It’s widely used for cold sores, genital herpes, shingles, and even chickenpox. The only real downside? You need to take it several times a day to keep enough of the drug in your system. If that sounds like a hassle, valacyclovir might be a better fit.

Most people tolerate acyclovir well, but as with any med, mild side effects like an upset stomach or headache can happen. Staying hydrated helps your body process it smoothly, especially if you have kidney concerns. If you’re cool with a more structured pill schedule and like knowing you’re using a tried-and-true option, acyclovir is a solid pick.

Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir is like acyclovir’s younger sibling—it works the same way but lets you take fewer doses per day. That’s a major win for anyone who forgets midday meds or just prefers to keep things simple. It’s slightly better absorbed by your body, meaning you get the same benefits with less effort.

It’s used for the same conditions—cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles—and has a similar safety profile. If you’re already juggling multiple medications or just want a more flexible routine, valacyclovir could be the better fit.

How do Acyclovir and Valacyclovir work?

Both acyclovir and valacyclovir keep the herpes virus from making copies of itself, which helps keep outbreaks shorter and symptoms more manageable. They can’t erase the virus (no drug can), but they can make life with herpes way easier.

Timing matters

The sooner you take your meds after that first tingle or itch, the better. Fast action can mean a milder flare-up. And if you get frequent outbreaks, daily suppressive therapy can help keep things calmer long-term.

Sticking to your prescribed dose is key—skipping can give the virus a chance to stir things up again. If you have kidney concerns, your provider might tweak your dosage to keep things balanced, but overall, both meds are super safe and effective.

How these meds work

Both acyclovir and valacyclovir block a key enzyme (viral DNA polymerase) the herpes virus needs to multiply. This can mean:

• Shorter outbreaks
• Fewer new sores
• More control over flare-ups

Some people only take medication when an outbreak starts, while others take it daily to stay ahead of things. It’s all about what works best for you.

Dosage and daily life

Acyclovir often requires three to five doses a day, which can be a lot to keep up with. Valacyclovir cuts that down to just one or two doses, making it a little easier to fit into a busy schedule.

No matter which one you take, consistency is key—missing doses can give the virus a chance to stir things up again. Drinking plenty of water also helps your body process the meds smoothly.

Side effects and what to expect

Most people tolerate these meds really well, but mild side effects like headaches, nausea, or dizziness can pop up. If you have kidney issues or take other medications, your provider might tweak your dosage to make sure everything works together safely. And if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, a quick chat with your doctor can help you figure out the best approach.

The main difference

Both meds work the same way, but valacyclovir is absorbed better by your body—so you usually need fewer doses per day. Acyclovir, on the other hand, requires multiple doses but has been around longer and is often more budget-friendly.

For many, fewer pills = easier to stay consistent, but either option gets the job done. It just depends on what fits your routine best.

Picking Between the Two

Choosing between acyclovir and valacyclovir comes down to what fits your life best. If you like keeping things simple, valacyclovir’s once-a-day (or twice, max) dosing might be a win. If you’re already in the habit of taking meds multiple times a day, acyclovir could work just as well. Cost is another factor—insurance may cover one more than the other, so checking your options can help.

Some people take these meds daily to keep things calmer, while others only reach for them when they feel an outbreak coming on. Lifestyle, work, and even personal preference all play a role in deciding what makes the most sense. The best plan? One that’s easy to stick to.

What to consider

Before deciding, ask yourself:

• How many doses a day feels manageable?
• Do you have any health conditions (like kidney issues) that might affect your dosage?
• Does your insurance favor one medication over the other?
• Are you someone who never misses a dose—or could a simpler schedule be helpful?

A quick chat with a provider can help you sort through these questions and land on a plan that actually works for you.

Talk to a provider

A quick chat with a provider can help you sort through these questions and land on a plan that actually works for you. Whether it’s an in-person visit or a virtual consult, having expert guidance makes it easier to find the best option for your body, lifestyle, and needs.

Which one’s right for you?

Both acyclovir and valacyclovir do the job when it comes to managing herpes—neither makes the virus disappear, but they can make outbreaks way less of a hassle. Some people prefer acyclovir because it’s been around forever, while others love valacyclovir’s simpler dosing schedule. Cost and insurance coverage can also play a role in deciding which one makes the most sense. The best choice? The one that fits into your life.

Not sure where to start? Wisp makes it easy to get fast, affordable care—no awkward waiting rooms, no judgment, just expert support when you need it. Chat with a provider today and take charge of your sexual health on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Which is better, acyclovir or valacyclovir?

If you’re all about convenience, valacyclovir might be the move—it’s absorbed more easily, so you take fewer pills per day.

Is valacyclovir hard on the body?

Not usually! Most people handle it just fine, but like any med, it can have side effects. Checking in with a provider is the best way to make sure it’s a good fit for you.

What is the downside of acyclovir?

It needs to be taken multiple times a day, which can be a bit of a pain—especially if you’re juggling a busy schedule.

What is equivalent to acyclovir over the counter?

There isn’t really one. Some drugstore creams can offer mild relief for cold sores, but prescription antivirals are usually much more effective.

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided here.