What is acyclovir mainly used for?

This drug is an antiviral, and its primary mission is to fight off infections caused by certain types of herpes viruses. Think of it as a targeted weapon. It’s mainly used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes, helping to clear up sores faster and reduce how often they pop up if you take it regularly for suppression. It's also a go-to for cold sores (fever blisters) around the mouth, which are usually caused by another herpes virus. Beyond that, doctors prescribe it for shingles (herpes zoster), which is a painful rash caused by the same virus that gives you chickenpox, and sometimes for chickenpox itself, especially in more severe cases or in people at higher risk for complications. So, if you see acyclovir, think herpes virus infections.