Alovir 200mg Tablet (Acyclovir): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- A widespread blistering rash or peeling skin
- Decreased urine output or swelling in the legs
- Confusion, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or seizures
- Severe abdominal pain with yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Unusual tiredness, pale skin, or easy bruising or bleeding
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe headache that does not go away
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is herperax tablet used for?
This medicine contains acyclovir 200mg, an antiviral medicine used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. It works by stopping the virus from multiplying in the body. It is taken by mouth, usually several times a day, and the exact dose and duration depend on the condition being treated. It should be used only under a doctor's prescription.
- Generic Name: Acyclovir (200mg)
- Manufacturer: Micro Labs Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 herperax tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा एसाइक्लोविर 200 मिलीग्राम की गोली है, जिसका उपयोग हर्पीस सिंप्लेक्स वायरस और वैरिसेला-ज़ोस्टर वायरस से होने वाले संक्रमणों के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। इसमें जननांग हर्पीस, होठों पर होने वाले छाले, दाद और चेचक जैसी बीमारियाँ शामिल हैं। यह दवा वायरस को शरीर में बढ़ने से रोकती है, जिससे लक्षण कम होते हैं और घाव जल्दी भरते हैं। यह दवा वायरस को पूरी तरह खत्म नहीं करती, इसलिए डॉक्टर की सलाह के अनुसार पूरा कोर्स करना जरूरी है। इसे मुँह से लिया जाता है और आमतौर पर दिन में कई बार लेना पड़ता है। गुर्दे की बीमारी वाले मरीजों को डॉक्टर से सलाह लेनी चाहिए क्योंकि खुराक कम करनी पड़ सकती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा को लेने पर कुछ लोगों को सिरदर्द, जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, दस्त, पेट दर्द, चक्कर आना और थकान महसूस हो सकती है। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और कुछ समय में ठीक हो जाते हैं। कभी-कभी त्वचा पर दाने, खुजली या धूप से एलर्जी हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव बहुत कम होते हैं, लेकिन अगर चेहरे, होंठ या गले में सूजन आए, सांस लेने में तकलीफ हो, पेशाब कम आए, भ्रम या दौरे पड़ें, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें। गुर्दे की बीमारी वाले और बुजुर्ग मरीजों में दिमागी दुष्प्रभाव ज्यादा हो सकते हैं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें और खुराक खुद से कम या ज्यादा न करें। अगर लक्षण ठीक हो जाएं तो भी पूरा कोर्स पूरा करें, क्योंकि बीच में छोड़ने से संक्रमण फिर से लौट सकता है। दिनभर खूब पानी पिएं ताकि गुर्दे सुरक्षित रहें। अगर आपको गुर्दे या लिवर की बीमारी है, या आपकी रोग प्रतिरोधक क्षमता कम है, तो डॉक्टर को जरूर बताएं। अपनी सभी दवाओं, सप्लीमेंट्स और हर्बल उत्पादों की जानकारी डॉक्टर को दें। यह दवा किसी और के साथ साझा न करें। डॉक्टर के बताए फॉलो-अप जरूर करें।
💊 herperax tablet Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Genital herpes","description":"This medicine is used to treat initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus.
- It helps to reduce pain, shorten the duration of lesions, and decrease viral shedding.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Herpes labialis (cold sores)","description":"This medicine can be used to treat cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus, especially when started early in the course of the outbreak.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Herpes zoster (shingles)","description":"This medicine is prescribed to treat shingles, a painful rash caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus.
- Early treatment helps to reduce pain and speed up healing.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Chickenpox","description":"This medicine is used to treat chickenpox in certain patients, particularly those at higher risk of complications, when started within 24 hours of the rash appearing.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Herpes simplex suppression","description":"This medicine may be used long-term to suppress frequent recurrent outbreaks of genital or labial herpes in selected patients.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Bell's palsy","description":"This medicine is sometimes used together with corticosteroids in the treatment of Bell's palsy, although evidence of benefit is limited and it is not approved for this use.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Herpes simplex encephalitis (adjunct)","description":"This medicine may be used in some settings as part of treatment for herpes simplex encephalitis, but this is a serious condition that requires hospital care and specialist management.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Herpes simplex virus infections
Also treats: Varicella-zoster virus infections (shingles and chickenpox), Herpes labialis (cold sores), Genital herpes, Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Acyclovir (200mg) |
| Brand Name | herperax tablet |
| Manufacturer | Micro Labs Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Antiviral (Non-HIV) drugs |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store this medicine at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C, in a dry place. Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of this medicine is typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture, depending on the manufacturer's specifications. Always check the expiry date printed on the pack and do not use the medicine after that date. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization has included acyclovir in its list of essential medicines. WHO guidelines recommend acyclovir for the treatment of genital herpes and for certain other herpes virus infections, with the choice of dose and duration based on the clinical condition and the patient's immune status. Always follow the advice of your local healthcare provider. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research has published guidance on the management of sexually transmitted infections and herpes simplex virus infections, which includes the use of acyclovir for genital herpes and related conditions. The exact dose and duration should be determined by a qualified clinician based on the individual patient's needs. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by selectively inhibiting the replication of certain herpes viruses. Acyclovir is a nucleoside analogue that is converted inside virus-infected cells into its active form, acyclovir triphosphate. This active form competes with the natural building block deoxyguanosine triphosphate and is incorporated into the growing viral DNA chain. Because acyclovir lacks the necessary chemical group for further chain elongation, it causes the viral DNA chain to terminate. This stops the virus from multiplying and gives the body's immune system time to control the infection. Acyclovir has a much higher affinity for viral thymidine kinase than for human enzymes, which makes it selectively active against infected cells and relatively safe for normal cells.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take herperax tablet
Strength: This medicine is available as an immediate-release tablet containing 200mg of acyclovir. It is manufactured by Adley Formulations.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine depends on the condition being treated, its severity, and the patient's kidney function. For genital herpes, a common adult dose is 200mg taken five times a day for 5 to 10 days, but the exact dose and duration must be decided by your doctor. For shingles, higher doses are often used. For suppression of recurrent herpes, a lower dose may be taken for a longer period. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Always follow your doctor's prescription exactly and do not change the dose on your own. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing of this medicine is not established from available information for all age groups and indications. The dose in children is usually calculated based on body weight and the specific infection being treated, and it must be determined by a pediatrician. Do not give this medicine to a child without a doctor's prescription. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may need a lower dose of this medicine because kidney function tends to decline with age. The dose should be adjusted based on kidney function tests. Elderly patients are also more likely to experience nervous system side effects such as confusion, hallucinations, or drowsiness, so they should be monitored closely. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | This medicine is eliminated mainly by the kidneys, so the dose must be reduced in patients with kidney impairment. The exact dose adjustment depends on the measured kidney function, usually estimated by creatinine clearance. Patients with severe kidney impairment may need less frequent dosing or a lower dose. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal function. |
| Hepatic Impairment | This medicine is only partially metabolized by the liver, so mild to moderate liver impairment usually does not require a dose adjustment. However, patients with severe liver disease should be monitored closely, and the dose may need to be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose of this medicine depends on the indication and the patient's kidney function. For oral treatment of herpes infections in adults with normal kidney function, doses up to 4000mg per day have been used in some regimens, but such high doses are only given under close medical supervision. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of herperax tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Probenecid | Major | |
| Mycophenolate mofetil | Major | |
| Aminoglycosides | Major | |
| Amphotericin B | Major | |
| Ciclosporin | Major | |
| Tacrolimus | Major | |
| NSAIDs | Major | |
| Cimetidine | Moderate | |
| Theophylline | Moderate | |
| Zidovudine | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Nephrotoxic medicines (for example, aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, NSAIDs)
- Probenecid
- Mycophenolate mofetil
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Cimetidine
- Theophylline
- Zidovudine
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
There is no direct interaction between alcohol and this medicine, but alcohol can worsen dehydration and may increase the risk of kidney problems. It can also make dizziness or tiredness worse. It is best to avoid alcohol or limit it while you are taking this medicine, especially if you have kidney or liver problems.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy or hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any ingredient in this medicine","Severe kidney impairment without appropriate dose adjustment","Use in newborns for indications other than those approved by a doctor","Breastfeeding without medical advice if the baby is premature or has kidney problems"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease, and the dose may need to be reduced.","Elderly patients are more likely to experience nervous system side effects such as confusion or hallucinations, especially if they have kidney impairment.","Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine to help prevent kidney problems.","This medicine does not cure herpes infections and does not prevent the virus from spreading to others. Practice safe sex and avoid close contact during outbreaks.","Do not use this medicine for longer than prescribed without medical advice.","Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.","This medicine may cause dizziness or tiredness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Keep all follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your response and check for side effects."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Acyclovir passes into breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding because the amount transferred to the baby is low. However, you should consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medicine, especially if your baby is premature or has kidney problems.
💊 Overdose Management
Taking too much of this medicine can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, seizures, and kidney problems. If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Treatment is supportive and may include hydration, monitoring of kidney function, and, in severe cases, hemodialysis to remove the medicine from the blood.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not change the dose or stop treatment early without medical advice. Complete the full course even if you start feeling better, because stopping too soon can allow the virus to return. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help protect your kidneys while taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any condition that weakens your immune system. Tell your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially those that can affect the kidneys. Avoid close contact with people who have weakened immunity, as you may still be able to spread the virus. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms. Keep all follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your response and adjust treatment if needed.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more likely to have reduced kidney function, which can lead to higher levels of this medicine in the body and an increased risk of nervous system side effects such as confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness, or seizures. The dose should be adjusted based on kidney function, and elderly patients should be monitored closely. They should also drink enough water to stay hydrated and report any unusual symptoms to their doctor promptly.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss this with your doctor before starting or continuing this medicine. Available data do not show a clear increase in birth defects, but the decision to use this medicine during pregnancy should be made by your doctor after weighing the benefits and risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, inform your doctor as soon as possible.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your surgeon and anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine. In most cases, it can be continued, but your doctor may adjust the dose if you have kidney problems or if you are unable to take oral medicines after surgery. Good hydration is important before and after surgery to protect your kidneys.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. There is no major interaction with common dental medicines, but if you have kidney problems, your dentist may need to coordinate with your doctor. If you have an active cold sore, it is best to postpone non-urgent dental treatment until the sore has healed to avoid spreading the virus.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine does not usually limit exercise, but if you feel dizzy, tired, or unwell during an outbreak, take it easy and avoid strenuous activity. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to stay hydrated and protect your kidneys. If you have kidney problems, speak to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or tiredness in some people, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Most people can continue their normal work and daily activities while taking this medicine, but if you feel unwell during an outbreak, take rest as needed. If your work involves close contact with others, take precautions to avoid spreading the virus during an active outbreak.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine before completing the course prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. If you experience a serious side effect such as a severe allergic reaction, kidney problems, or nervous system symptoms, stop the medicine and seek medical help immediately. If you have completed the course and your symptoms have not improved or have worsened, contact your doctor before starting another course.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is generally well tolerated, but it may increase the risk of kidney problems, especially if you do not drink enough water or if you have existing kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function is advised for people who take this medicine for a long time or at high doses. Some patients may experience persistent tiredness, headache, or nervous system effects. If you are taking this medicine for suppression of recurrent herpes, your doctor will review your treatment periodically to decide whether it should be continued.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
These are alternative antiviral medicines that may be taken fewer times a day because they have better oral bioavailability.
Evidence: Well-establishedFor cold sores, topical antiviral creams may be used, but they are generally less effective than oral antiviral medicines.
Evidence: ModerateSimple pain relievers, cold compresses, and keeping the affected area clean can help relieve symptoms alongside antiviral treatment.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There is no vaccine interaction with this medicine. However, if you have a weakened immune system or are due for any vaccine, inform your doctor, as the timing of vaccination may need to be considered in the context of your overall health and treatment.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the refrigerator unless specified
✅ DO
Keep the tablets in their original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer them to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of the reach of children and pets
❌ DON'T
Do not use after the expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When travelling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. Keep a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to show it to customs or a pharmacist. Store the tablets in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and avoid leaving them in a hot car or checked luggage. If you are crossing time zones, continue taking your doses at evenly spaced intervals as advised by your doctor, and consider setting reminders on your phone. If you need a refill while travelling, visit a reputable pharmacy and show your prescription. Always carry enough medicine for the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts working soon after you take it, but you may not notice improvement for 1 to 2 days. It works best when started early in the course of the infection.
A: Yes, you can take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with a small snack may help reduce stomach upset.
A: If you remember within half the dosing interval, take the missed dose. If more than half the interval has passed, skip it and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
A: Available data do not show a clear increase in birth defects with this medicine, but it should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed and under medical supervision.
A: There is no direct interaction, but alcohol can worsen dehydration and dizziness. It is best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking this medicine.
A: No, this medicine helps control outbreaks and reduce symptoms, but it does not cure the infection. The virus remains in the body and can reactivate later.
A: No, you should complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better, to reduce the risk of the infection returning.
A: No, this medicine is only effective against certain herpes viruses. It does not work against cold or flu viruses.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for herperax tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
glenvirax 200mg tabletGlenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹16.88 57.7% CHEAPER
-
clovirax 200mg tablet dtManeesh Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹34.00 14.9% CHEAPER
-
okavir 200mg tablet dtCipla Ltd ₹34.00 14.9% CHEAPER
-
zovirax 200 tabletGlaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹40.60 1.6% COSTLIER
-
acicet 200mg tablet dtKivi Labs Ltd ₹46.43 16.2% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure herpes permanently.
Fact: This medicine helps to control herpes outbreaks and reduce symptoms, but it does not cure the infection. The virus remains in the body and can reactivate later. - Myth: This medicine can be used to treat any viral infection.
Fact: This medicine is only effective against certain herpes viruses. It does not work against colds, flu, or other viral infections. - Myth: You can stop taking this medicine as soon as you feel better.
Fact: You should complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve, to reduce the risk of the infection returning. - Myth: This medicine is safe to take without a prescription.
Fact: This medicine should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, as the dose and duration depend on the specific condition and the patient's kidney function. - Myth: This medicine can be shared with family members who have similar symptoms.
Fact: This medicine should never be shared. It is prescribed for a specific person and condition, and sharing it can lead to incorrect treatment and side effects.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Acyclovir 200mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Alovir 200mg tablet