Zovirax

Zovirax Information

Brand Names: Zovirax, Acyclostad

Generic Name: Acyclovir, Generic Zovirax

Other Common Names: Soviclor

Zovirax (Acyclovir) is used in the treatment of chickenpox, genital or systemic herpes infections, and shingles. Zovirax 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 Ingredients and Composition

How To Take Zovirax and Zovirax Dosage and Administration

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.

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.

Shake the suspension well before each use.

If you suspect a Zovirax Overdose

Overdosage by topical application of acyclovir ointment 5% is unlikely because of limited transcutaneous absorption.

Zovirax Side Effects

Zovirax Precautions and Contraindications

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.

Zovirax Drug 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 Experiences and Results

In clinical trials of initial herpes genitalis. Acyclovir Ointment 5% has shown a decrease in healing time and in some cases a decrease in duration of viral shedding and duration of pain. In studies in immunocompromised patients with mainly herpes labialis, there was a decrease in duration of viral shedding and a slight decrease in duration of pain.

By contrast, in studies of recurrent herpes genitalis and of herpes labialis in nonimmunocompromised patients, there was no evidence of clinical benefit, there was some decrease in duration of viral shedding and a slight decrease in the duration of pain.

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.

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.

Taking Zovirax during Pregnancy or Breast-feeding

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.

Storing Zovirax

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.

Information about the Manufacturer of Zovirax

Zovirax is manufactured by: GlaxoSmithKline.