Oral doses of aciclovir vary according to indication. For treatment of primary herpes simplex infections, including genital herpes, the usual oral dose is 200 mg five times daily (usually every 4 hours while awake) for 5 to 10 days. Severely immunocompromised patients or those with impaired absorption may be given 400 mg five times daily for 5 days. For suppression of recurrent herpes simplex in immunocompetent patients, the oral dose is 800 mg daily in two to four divided doses; dosage reduction to 400 to 600 mg daily can be tried. Higher doses of 1 g daily have also been used. Therapy should be interrupted every 6 to 12 months for reassessment of the condition. For prophylaxis of herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients, the dose is 200 to 400 mg four times daily. Chronic suppressive treatment is not suitable for mild or infrequent recurrences of herpes simplex. In such cases episodic treatment of recurrences may be more beneficial; a dose of 200 mg five times daily for 5 days has been recommended, preferably initiated during the prodromal period. The usual oral dose of aciclovir for treatment of chickenpox is 800 mg four or five times daily for 5 to 7 days; for herpes zoster 800 mg five times daily may be given for 7 to 10 days. Or as prescribed by the physician.
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