Zovirax

aciclovir

Zovirax is the brand name for aciclovir, a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpesviruses. Zovirax Capsules, Tablets, and Suspension are formulations for oral administration.

This medication is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, mouth, mucous membranes, genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), and chickenpox in some individuals. This medication does not cure herpes, but relieves the pain and may make the infection clear faster.

Zovirax is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Aciclovir is an antiviral drug which acts against the viruses. Viruses live in the body quietly until an outbreak is triggered. Aciclovir inhibits the replication of viral DNA needed to reproduce itself. Virally infected cells absorb more aciclovir than normal cells and convert more of it to an active form which prolongs its antiviral activity where it is most needed. Aciclovir is not a cure for the infections, but treatment of an outbreak can speed up healing of the sores, decrease pain, and lower the risk of complications from the virus (e.g., whole body infection, brain infection, persistent pain after sores heal).

Treatment with Zovirax should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking Zovirax to keep your kidneys working properly. Zovirax can be taken with or without food. Taking Zovirax with food may decrease stomach upset.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Dosage is based on your weight, kidney function, medical condition, and response to treatment and it is taken usually 2 to 5 times daily.

Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may decrease the effectiveness of the drug. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within 2 hours of your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.

Important safety information:
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Zovirax. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others. Zovirax will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.

This drug may rarely make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activities that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, HIV infection, cancer, problems with the immune system and if you have any allergies.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, caution is advised when using this drug in older adults because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially to dizziness, confusion, and sleepiness.

This medication should be used cautiously during pregnancy or breast-feeding and only if clearly needed. Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born. Zovirax passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.

Side effects:
Less serious side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, headache, feeling light-headed, swelling in your hands or feet. These effects should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: pain in your lower back; urinating less than usual or not at all; easy bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness.

Also call your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, hallucinations, trouble speaking, sleepiness, tingling/numbness of hands or feet, vision changes, yellowing eyes/skin, dark/red urine, loss of consciousness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, difficulty breathing, itching/swelling of your face/lips/tongue/throat, dizziness.

Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include seizure (convulsions), hallucinations, and urinating less than usual or not at all.

There may be other drugs that can affect Zovirax. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

Effective dosage:
200 mg 5 times/day

Drug Class: Herpes.