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Medications for Herpes Simplex (HSV)

Other names: Genital herpes; HSV; HSV-1; HSV-2; Oral herpes

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Apr 8, 2024.

Herpes simplex is a viral infection that may cause cold sores around the mouth (oral herpes) or genital herpes. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), and spread through contact with herpes lesions, mucosal or genital secretions, or oral secretions. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be passed from normal-looking skin. Typically, HSV-2 is transmitted during genital contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. However, receiving oral sex from someone with oral HSV-1 can lead to genital HSV-1 infection. Transmission often occurs from an infected partner without visible lesions, who might be unaware of their infection. Treatments for herpes include:

Drugs used for Herpes Simplex (HSV)

The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Drug name Rating Reviews Activity ? Rx/OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol
acyclovir 7.8 92 reviews for acyclovir to treat Herpes Simplex (HSV) Rx B N
Generic name:
acyclovir systemic
Brand name:
Zovirax
Drug class:
purine nucleosides
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
valacyclovir 6.3 12 reviews for valacyclovir to treat Herpes Simplex (HSV) Rx B N
Generic name:
valacyclovir systemic
Drug class:
purine nucleosides
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Zovirax Cream 9.3 4 reviews for Zovirax Cream to treat Herpes Simplex (HSV) Rx B N
Generic name:
acyclovir topical
Drug class:
topical antivirals
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Abreva 4.5 424 reviews for Abreva to treat Herpes Simplex (HSV) OTC N N
Generic name:
docosanol topical
Drug class:
topical anti-infectives
For consumers:
dosage, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
acyclovir 8.6 14 reviews for acyclovir to treat Herpes Simplex (HSV) Rx B N
Generic name:
acyclovir topical
Brand names:
Zovirax Cream, Zovirax Ointment
Drug class:
topical antivirals
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Zovirax Ointment 8.7 3 reviews for Zovirax Ointment to treat Herpes Simplex (HSV) Rx B N
Generic name:
acyclovir topical
Drug class:
topical antivirals
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
docosanol 4.6 435 reviews for docosanol to treat Herpes Simplex (HSV) OTC N N
Generic name:
docosanol topical
Brand name:
Abreva
Drug class:
topical anti-infectives
For consumers:
dosage, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Zovirax 7.4 7 reviews for Zovirax to treat Herpes Simplex (HSV) Rx B N
Generic name:
acyclovir systemic
Drug class:
purine nucleosides
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information

Frequently asked questions

Topics under Herpes Simplex (HSV)

Alternative treatments for Herpes Simplex (HSV)

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Herpes Simplex (HSV). Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Herpes Simplex (HSV).

Learn more about Herpes Simplex

Symptoms and treatments

Medicine.com guides (external)

Legend

Rating For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx Prescription only.
OTC Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U CSA Schedule is unknown.
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X Interacts with Alcohol.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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