Zovirax

Drug name

Zovirax (Acyclovir)

Drug Uses

Zovirax is intended to treat herpes infections of different parts of the body, herpes zoster and chickenpox. The medicine alleviates the pain and itching and contributes to healing of the organism but doesn’t treat the infections themselves. Topical Zovirax only alleviates the symptoms of the disease if applied at first signs of it but the herpes infection can appear again. As for oral medication it prevents further cases of infection but it is prescribed only to the patients with acute illnesses as it can cause negative side effects. However your doctor may prescribe this Medicine to treat several other conditions. Contact your doctor to know more about it.

How Taken

It is recommended to start the topical Zovirax therapy at first signs of herpes infection (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). You should wash your hands before and after using the medicine. Use a glove or a swab to apply the ointment and prevent appearing of the infection on other skin areas and at other people. Use enough amount of the medicine to cover the affected area skin. Half inch ribbon of the medicine is quite sufficient for about 4 square inches. Prevent getting the medicine into your eyes. Commonly the medicine is prescribed to be used every 3 hours (it is 6 times daily) for the period of 1 week. Do not stop the therapy in case your condition becomes better. The affected skin areas should be kept clean and dry as long time as it possible. It is recommended to wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid any irritation of the affected skin areas.

Missed Dose

In case you have missed to apply the medicine do it at the moment you have remembered but skip it in case it is the time of your next dosage and follow your usual schedule. You shouldn’t use double dose simultaneously.

Storage

Keep the medication at the temperature below 25 degrees C. Avoid keeping the medicine in the refrigerator.

Warnings Precautions

Let you doctor know about any other diseases you have or medications you use before starting Zovirax topical therapy. It is not studied whether the ointment can harm the human fetus therefore contact your doctor before applying the medicine throughout pregnancy and breast-feeding periods.

Possible Side Effects

Using the medicine should not cause any serious side effects. However, contact your doctor immediately in case you experience any signs of allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; rash; hives; itching; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face). Do not stop the therapy and contact your doctor in case you have itching, stinging, burning, or a rash. You can also experience other side effects not mentioned in this medication guide. Contact your doctor in case any of them bother you.

More Information

Do not use the medicine and contact your doctor at once in case you have:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• little or no urine production; or
• unusual bleeding or bruising.

Do not stop using the medicine and contact your doctor in case you have:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or abdominal pain;
• a headache or lightheadedness; or
• joint pain.

You can also experience other side effects not mentioned in this medication guide. Contact your doctor in case any of them bother you.