Aciclovir Tablets And Alcohol: Can You Drink On Aciclovir?

Scott McDougallMPharmDirector & Registered Manager

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2022

Genital herpes is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) — but it can be embarrassing to seek treatment. Luckily, antiviral medication like Aciclovir can be used to prevent or treat such infections. But can you drink on Aciclovir tablets?

If you’re thinking about taking this medication to help treat herpes, then you’ll want to know whether it’s safe to mix Aciclovir tablets and alcohol.

With that in mind, we’ll be answering any queries you may have about combining alcohol and Aciclovir — such as whether it is safe to do so, and if there are any negative side effects you could experience. Read on to find out more.

For a more general guide on Aciclovir, you can visit our ‘What Is Aciclovir Used For?’ page.

Can you drink alcohol while taking aciclovir?

Yes, you can drink while you are taking Aciclovir. Alcohol won’t interfere with its antiviral properties. Since alcohol will reduce your ability to fight off infections, though, it’s best to keep your intake down. If you can avoid alcohol entirely until you’ve fully recovered, you should do so.

Abstaining from drinking while you’re taking Aciclovir will also reduce your risk of experiencing side effects. We’ll discuss this more in the next section.

Mixing Aciclovir and alcohol: safety concerns

It’s important to be aware of any possible interaction between any medication you take and alcohol, including Aciclovir tablets.

However, in the case of Aciclovir tablets and alcohol, there is no real risk of any danger and no need to be concerned about your safety.

Mixing Aciclovir and alcohol is considered safe and will not affect the way this popular herpes and viral infections medication works.

Mixing Aciclovir and alcohol: side effects

Like all medicines, Aciclovir can cause unwanted side effects as well as benefiting the user — although not everybody gets them.

To find out more about the possible side effects associated with Aciclovir, you can visit our Aciclovir side effects page. Side effects don’t affect the majority of Aciclovir users, but it’s always worth being aware of them just in case.

Combining alcohol and Aciclovir may mean that some of these side effects may be exacerbated, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea or drowsiness.

If you think you are experiencing any side effects due to mixing Aciclovir tablets and alcohol, then you should stop drinking alcohol. If they persist, you should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

How to use Aciclovir tablets safely

It is very easy to use Aciclovir tablets safely. Simply follow the instructions you have been given by your doctor or pharmacist; the Aciclovir dosage and treatment plan will change according to your individual condition. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller doses than your doctor or the directions on your prescription label suggest.

Aciclovir tablets can be taken with or without food. However, if you find you are suffering from side effects such as feeling or being sick (nausea), then it may help to take your medication after you have eaten.

You should swallow each tablet with water (or a non-alcoholic drink).

It is important to drink plenty of fluids whilst taking Aciclovir tablets to avoid dehydration and to keep your kidneys working well.

Drinking lots of water and reducing your alcohol intake while on Aciclovir will also help you to avoid side effects such as headaches too.

Summary

Aciclovir is a safe and effective prescription medicine that is used to prevent or treat viral infections from the herpes simplex virus (HSV), such as genital herpes or cold sores.

It is safe to mix Aciclovir tablets and alcohol if you want to drink while you are taking this treatment.

Drinking alcohol on Aciclovir will not have any impact on how effective this medication is at preventing or treating viral infections.

However, it is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol if you are suffering from any type of infection, to give your body the best chance possible to fight it off. This will also help you to avoid exacerbating any negative side effects that you may experience, such as headaches or nausea.

It’s always important to take your medication exactly as your doctor or pharmacist recommends to ensure that you are treating your condition as effectively as possible and taking Aciclovir as safely as possible.

You can buy Aciclovir 400 mg tablets here at The Independent Pharmacy. You’ll just need to complete a short, free online consultation answering a few questions first so that we can establish if this is the most suitable treatment for you.

We offer a fast, secure and discreet online service and delivery straight to your door — order before 3 pm and receive your treatment as quickly as the next day.