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EspañolZovirax overview
BRAND NAMES:
Zovirax, Zovirax, Zovirax, Zovirax, Zovirax
Generic Names:
Acyclovir
Uses:
Treats skin disorders caused by the herpes virus, including genital herpes., Treats herpes labialis (cold sores)., Treats herpes virus infections, including herpes zoster (shingles) and genital herpes. Also treats chickenpox. This medicine will not cure herpes, but may prevent a breakout of herpes sores or blisters.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antiviral, Antiviral
Forms:
Ointment, Cream, Capsule, Tablet, Liquid
How it’s taken:
By mouth, On the skin, On the skin
What form(s) does Zovirax come in
Ointment
Cream
Capsule
Tablet
Liquid
What are common Zovirax doses?
Tube 5GM of 5%
Tube 30GM of 5%
Common Zovirax prescriptions
Zovirax
100 capsules bottleZovirax
400mg tabletZovirax
800mg tabletZovirax
30gm of 5% tubeZovirax
5gm of 5% tube of cream
How to take Zovirax
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take this medicine at the first sign of a herpes breakout, or as soon as possible after you are diagnosed with herpes zoster. The medicine may not work if you wait longer than 3 days to start using it.
Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food.
Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
Shake the oral liquid thoroughly before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food.
Take this medicine at the first sign of a herpes breakout, or as soon as possible after you are diagnosed with herpes zoster. The medicine may not work if you wait longer than 3 days to start using it.
Shake the oral liquid thoroughly before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
Use this medicine as soon as possible after you notice the beginning of a cold sore (tingle, pain, burning, blisters, or itching).
This medicine is for use on your face or lips only. Do not get it in your eyes, or inside your mouth or nose.
Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.
This medicine is for use on your face or lips only. Do not get it in your eyes, or inside your mouth or nose.
Use this medicine as soon as possible after you notice the beginning of a cold sore (tingle, pain, burning, blisters, or itching).
Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.
Use this ointment as soon as possible after you notice the beginning of a herpes sore (pain, burning, blisters, or itching).
This ointment is for use on your skin or genitals (vagina or penis) only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Use a rubber glove when you apply the medicine. If someone else is putting this medicine on you, he or she should wear a rubber glove.
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Acyclovir ointment may be put on the herpes sores every 3 hours, 6 times daily for 7 days, unless your doctor tells you differently. Apply enough ointment to cover all the sores.
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Use this ointment as soon as possible after you notice the beginning of a herpes sore (pain, burning, blisters, or itching).
This ointment is for use on your skin or genitals (vagina or penis) only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Acyclovir ointment may be put on the herpes sores every 3 hours, 6 times daily for 7 days, unless your doctor tells you differently. Apply enough ointment to cover all the sores.
Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Use a rubber glove when you apply the medicine. If someone else is putting this medicine on you, he or she should wear a rubber glove.
What to do if you miss a dose of Zovirax
Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Zovirax contraindications
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acyclovir or to similar medicines such as famciclovir (Famvir®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®, Vitrasert®), valacyclovir (Valtrex®), or valganciclovir (Valcyte„¢).
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acyclovir or similar medicines (such as valacyclovir). Do not use this medicine to treat genital herpes.
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acyclovir or similar medicines (such as valacyclovir).
Zovirax warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a weak immune system. Some things that cause a weak immune system are cancer chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, recent infection, or recent bone marrow or kidney transplant.
Acyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex. Avoid having sex while you have herpes sores.
Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others during sex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep from spreading the virus.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Fainting or extreme weakness, problems with walking or coordination.
Pinpoint red spots on your skin.
Unexplained fever.
Unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in your urine or stools.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
This medicine should not be used on a child under 12 years old unless your doctor tells you to.
Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
Acyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex. Avoid having sex while you have herpes sores.
Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others during sex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep from spreading the virus.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Zovirax interactions
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Do not use any other medicine on your herpes sores unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others during sex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep from spreading the virus.
Acyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex. Avoid having sex while you have herpes sores.
Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.
This medicine should not be used on a child under 12 years old unless your doctor tells you to.
Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
Tell your doctor if you are receiving any medicines that weaken the immune system (such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation).
Acyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex. Avoid having sex while you have herpes sores.
Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others during sex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep from spreading the virus.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Zovirax side effects
Serious Side Effects
Itching, redness, swelling, burning, or stinging of your skin where the ointment is applied.
Very dry, chapped, or cracked lips.
Itching, redness, swelling, burning, or stinging of your skin where the cream is applied.
Pinpoint red spots on your skin.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Fainting or extreme weakness, problems with walking or coordination.
Unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in your urine or stools.
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
Confusion, agitation, behavior changes.
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
Unexplained fever.
Less Serious Side Effects
Problems with vision.
Nervousness or tired feeling.
Headache, muscle pain.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach.
Very dry, chapped, or cracked lips.
Itching, redness, swelling, burning, or stinging of your skin where the cream is applied.
Itching, redness, swelling, burning, or stinging of your skin where the ointment is applied.