Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. The recommended dosage instructions for acyclovir may vary depending on the condition being treated, patient's age, and overall health.

For adults with genital herpes, the recommended acyclovir dosage is 200 mg orally every four hours, five times daily for ten days [1]. For the treatment of shingles, the recommended dosage is 800 mg orally every four hours, five times daily for seven to ten days [3]. For the treatment of chickenpox in children, the recommended dosage is 20 mg/kg orally four times daily for five days [2].

It is important to note that acyclovir should be taken exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Patients should not take more or less of the medication than prescribed or take it for a longer or shorter period than recommended. Patients should also take the medication at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a consistent level of the drug in the body.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ACYCLOVIR
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/valacyclovir-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20066635
[3] https://reference.medscape.com/drug/zovirax-acyclovir-342601