| Drug | Dose or dosage | Cost of generic (brand)* | Evidence rating† | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episodic oral treatment for recurrences‡ | ||||
| Acyclovir (Zovirax) | 200 mg five times per day or 400 mg three times per day for five days | 200 mg: $23 ($154)§ 400 mg: $13 ($87) | A | 12, 13 |
| Famciclovir (Famvir) | 1,500 mg once for one day | $173 ($158) | B | 14 |
| Valacyclovir (Valtrex) | 2 g twice for one day | $56 ($74) | B | 15 |
| Episodic topical treatment for recurrences‡ | ||||
| Acyclovir cream | Apply five times per day for four days | 2-g tube: NA ($69) | B | 18 |
| Docosanol cream (Abreva) | Apply five times per day until healed | 2-g tube: NA ($15)∥ | B | 17 |
| Penciclovir cream (Denavir) | Apply every two hours while awake for four days | 1.5-g tube: NA ($54) | B | 16 |
| Treatment to prevent recurrences | ||||
| Acyclovir | 400 mg twice per day (ongoing) | 30-day supply: $29 ($345) | A | 13, 19 |
| Valacyclovir | 500 mg once per day (ongoing) | 30-day supply: $186 ($234) | B | 20 |