TreatmentsHerpesAll treatments
Cold sores
Cold sores are oral herpes, usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. Telehealth visits focus on antiviral medicine for an outbreak or, for people with frequent sores, a preventive plan. DoctorsHome names the medicines. It does not prescribe them.
- Valacyclovir and acyclovir are the antivirals clinicians discuss most.
- Care is often described as episodic (at the start of a sore) or suppressive (daily, for frequent outbreaks).
- A clinician decides which approach fits. This page does not give a schedule.
Medications people ask about
Generic names from herpes telehealth pages.
- Valacyclovir
- Acyclovir
- Famciclovir, less often, when a clinician considers it
- Topical products, which many clinicians treat as optional rather than the main treatment
Who usually looks this up
Adults who already know their cold-sore pattern and want to understand outbreak versus preventive prescriptions. A first severe outbreak, sores near the eye, or trouble swallowing needs prompt clinical care, not an article.
Safety notes
Antivirals are cleared by the kidneys, so kidney history matters. Cold sores are contagious when active. This page does not explain how to dose a medicine or how to hide an outbreak.
Related topics
DoctorsHome publishes educational information about telehealth treatments. It is not a medical practice, clinic, pharmacy, or telehealth service. It does not diagnose, prescribe, or sell medication, and it is not a substitute for care from a licensed clinician.
Medication names on this site are examples clinicians may discuss. They are not recommendations. Availability varies by state. Nothing here is for emergencies. Call 911 for a medical emergency. If you are in a mental-health crisis, call or text 988.