Acyclovir is the antiviral medicine used most often to treat chickenpox (varicella).

Healthy children as a way to treat chickenpox.

Valacyclovir is used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years old, and to treat chickenpox in children who are at least 2 years old.

It treats cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex), shingles (caused by herpes zoster), and chickenpox.

For treating chickenpox in children, the dosage is also based on weight.

No therapy treats chickenpox once it has begun, but your doctor can provide prescriptions and advice to help with the discomfort and the itching.