Zovirax
Drug name
Zovirax (Acyclovir)
Drug Uses
Zovirax is used for treating chickenpox (varicella) or shingles (herpes zoster) and treating or suppressing genital herpes infections. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How Taken
Use Zovirax as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Zovirax by mouth with or without food.
Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Zovirax is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
Start therapy with Zovirax at the earliest sign or symptom of shingles or genital herpes (pain, burning, blisters).
If treating an acute outbreak, continue using Zovirax for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
For suppressive therapy, Zovirax works best if it is taken at the same times each day.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Zovirax is referred to as an antiviral that works by putting a halt to viral replication. But, Zovirax does not remove the virus, or rather you cannot term it as as a cure, and it in no way prevents transmission to others.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dosage no sooner than you remember. If you find that the time for your next dosage has come, prefer skipping the missed dosage followed by returning to the routine dosing schedule. Avoid taking two dosages at a single go.
Storage
Ensure storing this medication at a temperature less than 25 degrees C. avoid referigerating.
Warnings Precautions
Avoid taking Zovirax Capsules if:
If you have allergies to the ingredients present in zovirax tablets or if you have allergies to valacyclovir
Consult your medical practitioner or doctor instantly if any of these goes for you
Certain medical conditions can interact with the Capsules. Consult your pharmacist or doctor if you suffer from any medical conditions, particularly the following:
- pregnant
- planning to get pregnant
- are breast-feeding
- take any nonprescription or prescription medicine, dietary supplement, or herbal preparation,
- allergic to foods, medicines, or other substances
- have kidney problems
- a weakened immune system
Certain medical conditions can interact with the Capsules. Consult your pharmacist or doctor if you suffer from any medical conditions, particularly the following:
* Medicines that can affect the kidney adversely (such as, aminoglycoside antibiotics [such as, gentamicin], cyclosporine, amphotericin B, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] [such as, ibuprofen], vancomycin, tacrolimus,). Consult your doctor if you feel that any of the medicated drugs will cause harm to your kidney.
Possible Side Effects
All medicines can lead to side effects, however most people experience no, or little, and side effects. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- normal body discomfort
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
Look for instant medical attention if you experience any of the hazardous side effects:
- acute allergic reactions ( hives; tacrolimus, difficulty breathing; itching; tightness in the chest; swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue)
- aggressive behavior
- blood in the urine
- confusion
- decreased consciousness
- decreased urination
- hallucinations
- lower back ache
- mood or mental swings
- red, blistered, swollen, or peeling skin
- seizures
- unusual bleeding or bruising
More Information
Consult your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist if you have any queries related to this medicine. Take this medicine only if directed by your doctor. Avoid sharing it with others. If your symptoms worsen or fail to improve consult your doctor.