How To Treat Cold Sores

Oral Antiviral Medication

In aggressive cold sore cases, a doctor may need to prescribe oral antiviral medication. Oral antiviral tablets like Acyclovir have proven to assist those suffering from cold sores speed up their recovery time. These medications can also reduce your chances of developing cold sores when used routinely over time. Sometimes doctors prescribe these medications to their patients to reduce the risk of a cold sore outbreak during high-risk times, including increased exposure to the sun, harsh winter weather, or after receiving cosmetic surgery.

Oral antiviral tablets tend to work best when taken within a day or two of the initial cold sore outbreak. Similar to topical cold sore treatments, oral antivirals are not a permanent cure for the virus, and you can still pass the virus to others while taking these medications. Women who are pregnant or nursing in addition to patients with a history of kidney problems should be careful to discuss with their physicians their best options for treatment.