Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat shingles, chickenpox, or genital herpes. It may also be used to treat other conditions. Acyclovir reduces the severity of outbreaks and prevents the development of new blisters.

Valtrex is a prescription medication used in the treatment of genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), and herpes simplex (cold sores). Valtrex is the only once-a-day antiviral product which has proven effective in suppressing future genital herpes outbreaks in adults with normal immune systems. Valtrex works by disrupting the process by which the herpes virus duplicates itself and spreads to other cells in the body.