About Zovirax
This medication is used in the treatment of chickenpox, genital
or systemic herpes infections, and shingles. Zovirax (acyclovir)
does not cure herpes, but decreases the number of outbreaks and
helps sores heal faster. It may be used to prevent recurrent herpes
simplex infections in patients with compromised immune systems.
This antiviral medication may treat certain other viral infections,
but is ineffective against the cold virus.
Zovirax treatment should begin within 24 hours of chickenpox
outbreak, and within 48 hours of a shingles outbreak for maximum
effectiveness. Individuals with recurrent genital herpes should
begin treatment at the first symptom of an outbreak, and are sometimes
prescribed daily doses to decrease the number of outbreaks. If daily
treatment is undertaken for recurrent outbreak, treatment should
be re-evaluated after a year.
Acyclovir is only available by prescription. Under the brand name
Zovirax, it is available in capsule, ointment, oral suspension,
and tablet form.
Zovirax Side Effects
Most Common Side Effects (less than 5%): Diarrhea, general
discomfort or feeling of illness (high doses), headache, itching
(ointment), nausea, skin rash or discomfort (usually ointment).
Treatment with Zovirax ointment is unlikely to produce systemic
side effects, as it is poorly absorbed through the skin.
Less Common or Rare: Anaphylactic (acute allergic)
reaction, aggression, agitation, altered vision, anemia, bloody
urine, coma, confusion, delirium, dizziness, drowsiness, fever,
hear loss, hallucinations, hives, kidney failure, psychosis,
seizures, skin peeling, light sensitive rash, swelling in
the extremities, swollen lymph nodes, tremors, yellowed skin
and eyes (indicative of serious liver problems). If any of
these symptoms occur or if you suddenly begin to experience
flu-like symptoms for no apparent reason, contact your doctor
or a hospital immediately, and go in for an examination. Particularly
severe symptoms may require emergency medical services.
Cautions:
- Dehydration: Reduces your body's ability to clear this
medication from the blood, increases the risk of unwanted side
effects.
- Kidney Damage or Disease: Reduces your body's ability
to clear this medication from the blood, increases the risk of
unwanted side effects.
- Nervous System Disorders: Acyclovir may worsen these
conditions.
Zovirax Interactions
The use of the following medications can increase the risk of side
effects during acyclovir treatment, particularly if there is kidney
damage or disease present. Your doctor may still prescribe certain
medications together even if there is a potential for reaction,
but with an adjusted dosage to ensure minimum likelihood of side
effects.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - or any combination pain medication
containing acetaminophen, like Percocet
(oxycodone, acetaminophen), or Vicodin
(hydrocodone, acetaminophen).
- Aspirin - or an combination pain medication containing it, like
Fioricet (butalbital, acetaminophen,
and caffeine), Fiorinal (butalbital,
aspirin, and caffeine), or Talwin Compound (aspirin, pentazocine).
- Anti-inflammatories like Celebrex
(celecoxib) and Vioxx (rofecoxib),
or combination medications containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
like Vicoprofen (hydrocodone,
ibuprofen).
- Benemid (probenecid)
- BiCNU (carmustine)
- Cuprimine (penicillamine)
- Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
- Desferal (deferoxamine)
- Gold salts
- Interferon (Roferon-A)
- Lithium (Lithane, Lithobid)
- Mexate (methotrexate)
- Mithracin (plicamycin)
- Narcotic pain medications - These are safe to mix with
Zovirax, but often they come as combination products containing
aspirin or anti-inflammatories. Speak to your doctor about safer
dosages or alternate treatments.
- Platinol (cisplatin)
- Retrovir (zidovudine)
- Thiola (tiopronin)
- Zanosar (streptozocin)
Zovirax Dosages
The dosages below are for the Zovirax brand of acyclovir, the dosages of other products may differ.
- Capsules: 200 mg blue capsules printed with 'Wellcome
ZOVIRAX 200'
- Liquid Suspension: 200 mg/ 5 mL, off-white, banana flavored
liquid
- Ointment: 50 mg/1 g in 3 gram and 15 gram tubes
- Tablets: 400 mg shield shaped tablets, white, marked
with 'ZOVIRAX' on one side and a triangle on the other; 800 mg
oval tablets, pale blue, marked 'ZOVIRAX 800'
The general guidelines for adults are as follows:
- Herpes Zoster; 800 mg by mouth every 4 hours, 5 times
daily, up to 7-10 days.
- Genital Herpes Outbreak; 200 mg by mouth every 4 hours,
5 times daily, for 10 days. Alternately, apply ointment every
3 hours, 6 times daily, for 7 days.
- Suppressive Therapy; 400 mg by mouth twice daily, up
to 1 year followed by re-evaluation.
- Intermittent Suppression; 200 mg by mouth every 4 hours,
5 times daily, for 5 days at the first sign of recurrence.
- Chickenpox; 800 mg by mouth 4 times daily, for 5 days.
Children who weigh more than 40 kg. should take the adult dosage.
Your doctor may suggest a different dosage or frequency of use.
Always follow the instructions on your prescription, taking your
medication as often, and for as long, as suggested by the prescribing
physician.
Zovirax Directions
Start treatment as soon as possible, preferably within one day,
of a herpes or shingles outbreak or onset of chickenpox symptoms.
Take this medication with a full glass of water for best results.
If you are taking the liquid form of the medication, use a marked
measuring spoon to measure dosage, as regular teaspoons may be inaccurate.
Apply ointment as often as directed, using a rubber or latex glove
to prevent spreading the infection.
Take this medication for as long as your doctor recommends, even
if you begin to feel better. Viral infections may still linger even
if the obvious symptoms have gone away. Still, you should not continue
treatment for any longer than your doctor suggests. If you see no
improvement towards the end of your treatment, contact your doctor
for further instructions.
Store Zovirax away from direct light and heat. Do not freeze the
liquid form of this medication. Store tablets and capsules in a
dry location; avoid storing them in the bathroom, near sinks, or
other areas where the container may become damp. Do not use after
the expiration date.
Keep Zovirax away from children; both when storing it, and when
discarding any unused medication.
Zovirax and Pregnancy
Zovirax has been partly studied in pregnant women and animals,
and does not appear to cause birth defects. However, the manufacturer
notes that these studies were neither large, nor conclusive. The
use of this medication during pregnancy should be discussed with
a doctor, and only undertaken if the benefits of treatment outweight
the possible risks to the infant.
This medication does not seem to cause difficulties in nursing
infants, but it is still advisable to discuss the matter with your
doctor.
Zovirax and Children
In infants with herpes simplex outbreaks, this medication has been
used intravenously in hospital settings, but is not generally recommended
for use in children under 2 years of age.
In children aged 2-18 years, Zovirax has been used to treat chickenpox
with the results of faster healing and fewer lesions. This medication
does not seem to cause different symptoms in children than it does
in adults.
Children over 2 years of age and under 40 kg should take
a dose of 20 mg/kg by mouth 4 times daily, for 5 days. If the child
weighs more than 40 kg, they should take the adult dose of
800 mg by mouth 4 times daily, for 5 days.
Dosage for children must always be determined individually by a
doctor based on the current age, weight, and medical history of
the child. Children must only use prescriptions that were filled
out specifically for them.
Zovirax and Seniors
This medication has not been studied for specific effects in the senior population. Dosages starting on the low end of the range are recommended to take possible decreases in kidney function and the likelihood of multiple prescription use into account.
Zovirax is a trademark of GlaxoSmithKline
Generic Acyclovir is manufactured by Mylan, Par, and Watson
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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