Generic Name(s): Acivir
Brand Name(s):Zovirax

This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses:

Zovirax is used for: Treating shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores (fever blisters or herpes labialis), and treating, suppressing, or reducing transmission of genital herpes in patients with normal immune systems. It is also used to treat chickenpox in children and teenagers. It is also used to suppress genital herpes in patients with HIV infection. Zovirax is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, Zovirax does not eliminate the virus; it is not a cure. When used as a suppressive therapy in patients with normal immune systems with genital herpes using safer sex practices, the risk of spreading the infections to others is reduced.

How to use:

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. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Zovirax is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• To treat cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, or genital herpes, start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start.
• If treating an acute outbreak, use Zovirax for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.
• For suppressive therapy, Zovirax works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
• If you miss a dose of Zovirax , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zovirax .

Warning and Precautions:

High doses of Zovirax have proved dangerous in people whose immune system is compromised because of HIV infection, bone marrow transplant, or kidney transplant.
If your kidneys are not functioning properly, or you are taking drugs that may damage the kidneys such as Neomycin or Streptomycin,Zovirax can make your condition worse or affect your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Effects on the central nervous system are more common in older adults, leading to such symptoms as agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Their kidneys are also more likely to be affected; and those with kidney problems need a smaller dose. In addition, older adults tend to suffer the pain of shingles for a longer time after healing has begun.
Zovirax relieves the symptoms of genital herpes, but it is not a cure. There's also no evidence that it will prevent transmission of the disease. To avoid spreading the infection, don't have sexual intercourse during a flare-up. Zovirax is not intended for use in children.

Important safety information:

• Zovirax may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zovirax with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Safer sex practices can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner. Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptoms or outbreak of genital herpes. Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, kidney function, and liver function, may be performed while you use Zovirax . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Zovirax with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially kidney and nervous system problems.
• Zovirax should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zovirax while you are pregnant. Zovirax is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Zovirax, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Side Effects:

Any of the medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur seek medical attention or consult with your doctor for more information. Anyway such common side effects may bother you:  Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior; bloody or dark urine; change in the amount of urine produced; confusion; depression; fatigue; fever; hallucinations; joint pain; lower back pain; pale skin; painful menstrual periods; pinpoint bruises; seizures; severe abdominal pain; shaky movements; speech problems; swelling of the face, hands, feet, or entire body; unsteady movement; unusual bruising or bleeding from the nose or mouth; weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

 
Overdose:

Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose.

Missed Dose:

If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you missed one take the missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.

Do not use this medicine:

if you have any allergic reaction to any component of this medicine

Storage conditions:

Zovirax should be kept away from heat, direct light, water, moisture at a room temperature (approximately 23 degrees C ). The medicine should be kept in a place unreachable for children.

All information given above is a summary. You must visit your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.