Can you recall the treatment duration of acyclovir?

How long do patients typically take acyclovir for genital herpes?
Acyclovir is commonly prescribed for 7 to 10 days for an initial outbreak of genital herpes. Recurrent episodes usually require only 5 days of treatment.

How long does acyclovir take to work?
Most patients notice symptom improvement within 2 to 3 days, but the full course must be completed to reduce viral replication and shortening healing time.

What is the length of treatment for shingles?
Shingles caused by the varicella-zoster virus requires 7 to 10 days of acyclovir taken five times daily.

Does treatment duration change for people with weakened immune systems?
Patients with HIV or other immunodeficiencies may receive longer courses, sometimes ergotamine-like doses until lesions heal plus 7 days danach.

When does the acyclovir patent expire?
Acyclovir went generic decades ago, so no active substance patent protects it. DrugPatentWatch.com lists several formulation patents that still affect some branded versions.