Zovirax

Generic name: Acyclovir (oral)
Drug class: Purine nucleosides

Usage of Zovirax

Zovirax is an antiviral drug. Acyclovir slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body.

Zovirax is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox.

Zovirax will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Zovirax side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zovirax: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

changes in behavior;

confusion, hallucinations; or

signs of a kidney problem - little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.

Common Zovirax side effects may include:

mild skin pain;

rash, itching;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

headache; or

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Zovirax

You should not take Zovirax if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex).

To make sure Zovirax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease; or

a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Herpes can be passed to your baby during childbirth if you have a genital lesion when your baby is born. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. Take your medicine as directed to best control your infection.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Zovirax should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Zovirax

Take Zovirax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Start taking Zovirax as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Acyclovir doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

Drink plenty of water while you are taking Zovirax to keep your kidneys working properly.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses may increase the risk of your virus becoming resistant to medication.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

Take Zovirax for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Treatment with Zovirax should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

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.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Zovirax

Acyclovir can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other drugs may interact with acyclovir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.