Zovirax (Acyclovir)

Zovirax (Acyclovir) Medication Information:

What is Zovirax?

Zovirax is a prescription medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called antivirals. Zovirax contains aciclovir as its active ingredient and has potent antiviral activity. This medication is mainly used for the treatment of viral infections like genital herpes, cold sores, and chickenpox.

Benefits and uses of Zovirax:

• Doctors generally prescribe Zovirax to treat initial episodes of genital herpes and to suppress the frequent recurrence of genital herpes. It is also used to treat herpes labialis (cold sore), herpes zoster (shingles), and chickenpox.
• Zovirax does not cure the viral disease but it reduces your symptoms and the severity of the infection. It helps to decrease pain and itching, speed up sore healing, and prevent new sore formation.
• In people with genital herpes, Zovirax does not protect against the spread of the virus to others. You can spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms. Therefore always use an effective barrier method such as condoms or dental dams during all sexual activity.

How to use Zovirax?

If you are diagnosed with the herpes virus, start the therapy as soon as possible or at the first sign of an outbreak. Your doctor may prescribe you Zovirax tablets depending on your age and medical condition. The tablets are taken orally with or without food.

Recommended dosage:

• For genital herpes: The initial recommended dosage is one 200mg tablet every 4 hours 5 times daily. Use it for no more than 4 days. Consult with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 days.
• For suppression of recurrent genital herpes: The initial recommended dosage is 200mg three times daily. If conditions do not improve, the dosage can be increased to five times daily.
• For chickenpox: Not more than 800mg 4 times daily for five days. Start the therapy within 24 hours once the rash appears.
• For herpes zoster: 800mg of Zovirax every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days. Start the therapy within 72 hours of the onset of lesions.

Take the medication at the same times every day for maximum benefit. Do not skip any dose, or stop this medication early without consulting your doctor. Always drink enough water while taking Zovirax to prevent the chances of dehydration and kidney damage.

Side effects of Zovirax:

Patients may experience some common side effects after taking Zovirax, including:

• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and Vomiting.
• Stomach pain.
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Fever

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any serious side effects, including:

• Kidney problems.
• Bloody or dark urine.
• Unusual back pain.
• Agitation, confusion, hallucinations.
• Trouble speaking.
• Sudden vision changes.
• Drug Interactions.

Safety Information:

• Do not take Zovirax if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Before starting the treatment, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially of kidney problems, liver diseases, HIV, and organ transplants.
• Do not use alcoholic beverages or marijuana along with the treatment.
• You should not get certain vaccines including the chickenpox vaccine while using the medication.
• If you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, consult with your doctor about the safety of Zovirax.

References:

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-940/zovirax-oral/details
• https://www.rxlist.com/zovirax-drug.htm
• https://www.1mg.com/drugs/zovirax-400-tablet-40930