Although acyclovir will not cure shingles or genital herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores heal faster. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms: NHS information about aciclovir, including what it's used for, who can use it, how to use it and side effects. Aciclovir, also known as acyclovir, [4] is an antiviral medication. [5] It is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles. [6] What is acyclovir used for? Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine commonly used for the following conditions caused by herpes viruses. Acyclovir may also be used for other conditions as. Acyclovir is a nucleoside analog that inhibits replication of herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus. Learn about acyclovir usage and dosing. Read the latest news and reviews about the drug as well as potential side effects and popular alternatives. Aciclovir is used to treat infections caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. It also treats infections from herpes simplex viruses, responsible for cold sores and genital herpes. Acyclovir is used to treat viral infections like chickenpox, herpes zoster (shingles) and genital herpes (a sexually transmitted disease). Acyclovir is in a class of medications called antivirals. It works by stopping the spread of the virus in the body. Oral acyclovir therapy should be considered an alternative therapy to treat acute localized dermatomal herpes zoster in HIV-infected adults according to the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents; IV acyclovir is preferred therapy with extensive cutaneous lesion or visceral. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection. Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.