How acyclovir (Zovirax) treats herpes outbreaks and shingles, how a single fluconazole (Diflucan) tablet treats a yeast infection, and options for fungal nails.
Acyclovir for herpes viruses
Acyclovir (Zovirax; sold outside the US as Acivir, Zoviclovir and other brands) treats infections caused by herpes viruses:
- Genital herpes – shortens outbreaks, and taken daily can reduce how often they return.
- Cold sores – as tablets, or as 5% cream applied 5 times a day for 4 days.
- Shingles and chickenpox – the 800 mg strength, ideally started within 72 hours of the rash.
Antivirals work best when started at the first tingle or sign of an outbreak. They don't cure herpes, and they don't completely stop it from spreading. Drink plenty of water while taking acyclovir tablets.
Fluconazole for yeast infections
A single 150 mg tablet of fluconazole (Diflucan; sold elsewhere as Fluconaz, Zocon and other brands) treats most vaginal yeast infections. Symptoms usually start to ease within a day. See a doctor if this is your first yeast infection, if you are pregnant, if you get four or more a year, or if symptoms don't clear.
Fungal nail and skin infections
- Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsules treat fungal nail infections, usually over several months. It interacts with many medicines and isn't used for nail infections in people with heart failure.
- Clotrimazole 1% cream treats athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm without a prescription.
We sell FDA-approved acyclovir tablets, acyclovir 5% cream, fluconazole and itraconazole, dispensed after our pharmacist verifies your prescription, and clotrimazole cream, which doesn't need one.