Zovirax

Common Name: acyclovir oral

How does Zovirax work?

Acyclovir belongs to the family of medications known as antivirals. Acyclovir is used for the treatment and prevention of genital herpes. It is also used for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) and varicella (chickenpox). All of these infections are caused by viruses. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Zovirax?

Genital herpes: The usual recommended adult dose for genital herpes is 200 mg every four hours, five times daily for 10 days. The dosage varies for suppression of genital herpes recurrences, but usually starts at 200 mg three times daily. You should start acyclovir as early as possible following the onset of signs and symptoms. Shingles: The recommended dose for shingles is 800 mg every four hours, five times daily for 7 to 10 days. Treatment should be started within 72 hours of onset of the rash or lesions. Chickenpox: The recommended dose for chickenpox is based on body weight. The usual dose is 20 mg per kilogram of body weight (not to exceed 800 mg) four times daily for five days. Therapy should be started within 24 hours of onset of the rash. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. This medication should be taken regularly, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does Zovirax come in?

Zovirax® Oral is available as tablets or as a liquid. Tablets: 200 mg: Each blue, shield-shaped, bevelled-edged tablet, marked on one side with "ZOVIRAX" and on the other side with a triangle, contains acyclovir 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, indigotine, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, and sodium starch glycolate. 400 mg: Each pink, shield-shaped, bevelled-edged tablet, marked on one side with "ZOVIRAX 400" and on the other side with a triangle, contains acyclovir 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, magnesium stearate, povidone, red iron oxide, and sodium starch glycolate. 800 mg: Each blue, elongated, scored tablet, marked on one side with "ZOVIRAX 800", contains acyclovir 800 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, indigotine, povidone, magnesium stearate, and sodium starch glycolate. Liquid: Each 5 mL of off-white, banana-flavoured suspension contains acyclovir 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: banana flavour, cellulose, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, sorbitol, and vanillin.

What should I NOT take with Zovirax?

Anyone allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any of the components of the formulation should not use this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Zovirax?

Pregnancy: Acyclovir should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by the doctor. Breast-feeding: Acyclovir is excreted in breast milk. Caution should therefore be exercised when it is taken by a nursing mother. Children: The safety and effectiveness of this drug have not been adequately studied for children less than 2 years old.