First episode*

Acyclovir (Zovirax), 400 mg orally three times daily for 7 to 10 days, or 200 mg orally five times daily for 7 to 10 days

Famciclovir (Famvir), 250 mg orally three times daily for 7 to 10 days

Valacyclovir (Valtrex), 1 g orally twice daily for 7 to 10 days

Recurrent episode

Acyclovir, 400 mg orally three times daily for 5 days, or 200 mg orally five times daily for 5 days, or 800 mg orally twice daily for 5 days

Famciclovir, 125 mg orally twice daily for 5 days

Valacyclovir, 500 mg orally twice daily for 3 to 5 days, or 1 g orally once daily for 5 days

Suppressive therapy

Acyclovir, 400 mg orally twice daily

Famciclovir, 250 mg orally twice daily

Valacyclovir, 500 mg orally once daily, or 1 g orally once daily