Zovirax Topical

Generic name: Acyclovir (topical)
Drug class: Topical antivirals

Usage of Zovirax Topical

Zovirax Topical (for the skin) is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat skin symptoms caused by the herpes virus.

Zovirax Topical cream is used to treat cold sores on the lips and face.

Zovirax Topical ointment is used to treat genital herpes lesions.

There is no cure for herpes and acyclovir will not prevent you from developing symptoms in the future.

Zovirax Topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Zovirax Topical side effects

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

Common side effects of Zovirax Topical may include:

dry, cracked, or peeling lips;

dryness or flaking of treated skin;

burning, stinging, or itching when the medicine is applied.

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 Topical

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

Zovirax Topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, 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.

You should not breastfeed if you have a herpes lesion on or near your breast.

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How to use Zovirax Topical

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

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

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.

Apply only enough cream to cover the cold sore or tingly area.

Apply only enough ointment to cover the genital lesion(s) completely. Wear a glove or a finger cot or use a cotton swab when applying the ointment to avoid spreading the virus to other body parts and to other people.

Zovirax Topical cream is usually applied 5 times daily for 4 days. This medicine ointment is usually applied 6 times daily for 7 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

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 Topical

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

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.

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