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ACYCLOVIR SODIUM vs VALTREX

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated October 9, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. ACYCLOVIR SODIUM and VALTREX are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

Rating

68/100
72/100

Pharmacy pays

~$4.83 /30
~$7.02 /30

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

ACYCLOVIR SODIUM
VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE

Dosage forms

Injectable
Tablet

Drug class

Herpes Simplex Virus Nucleoside Analog Dna Polymerase Inhibitor
Herpes Simplex Virus Nucleoside Analog Dna Polymerase Inhibitor

Boxed warning

None
None

Half-life

about 2.5 to 3.3 hours
—

Treats

Chickenpox, Herpes Genitalis, Herpes Labialis
Chickenpox, Herpes Genitalis, Herpes Labialis

Get valtrexhigher-rated option

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Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Acyclovir Sodium or Valtrex?

By our independent rating, Valtrex scores higher — 3.6 vs 3.4 out of 5 for Acyclovir Sodium. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Acyclovir Sodium or Valtrex?

Acyclovir Sodium costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $4.83 vs $7.02 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Acyclovir Sodium and Valtrex?

Acyclovir Sodium contains Acyclovir Sodium, while Valtrex contains Valacyclovir Hydrochloride — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.