1. Treatment of herpes simplex virus infections of the skin and mucous membranes including initial and recurrent genital herpes (excluding neonatal HSV and severe HSV infections in immunocompromised children).
   
2. Suppression (prevention of recurrences) of recurrent herpes simplex infections in immunocompetent patients.
3. Prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised patients.
4. Treatment of varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) infections.

Route of administration: Oral.

Dosage in adults

• Treatment of herpes simplex infections: 200mg aciclovir should be taken five times daily at approximately four hourly intervals omitting the night time dose. Treatment should continue for five days, but in severe initial infections this may have to be extended.
• Suppression of herpes simplex infections in immunocompetent patients: 200mg aciclovir should be taken four times daily at approximately six-hourly intervals.
• Prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised patients: 200mg aciclovir should be taken four times daily at approximately six hourly intervals.

Common side effects: 

Headache, dizziness, pruritus, rashes, fatigue, fever