Zovirax
Zovirax Cream is indicated for the treatment of Herpes Simplex
virus infections of the skin including initial and recurrent
genital herpes and herpes labialis. |
ZOVIRAX DRUG INFO
Why is this medication prescribed?
Acyclovir is used to treat herpes infections
of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox.
It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching
and promotes healing.
Topical acyclovir does not prevent the recurrence
of sores but may decrease pain and itching if applied when the earliest
symptoms first appear. Oral acyclovir decreases the frequency and
severity of recurrent sores, but it is used only by people with
severe herpes infections because of possible adverse effects.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for
other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used? Acyclovir
comes as an ointment for use on the skin and as a tablet, capsule,
and liquid to take by mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Take acyclovir exactly as directed.
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed
by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms
appear.
Clean and dry the skin area before applying
the ointment. Wear protective gloves when applying it to prevent
the spread of infection. Rub the ointment in gently. Use enough
ointment to cover all sores completely. Do not apply acyclovir ointment
to the eyes.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix
the medication evenly.
Continue to take acyclovir even if you feel
well. Do not stop taking acyclovir without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking acyclovir,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acyclovir,
valacyclovir (Valtrex), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially probenecid (Benemid), zidovudine
(Retrovir, AZT), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease,
problems with your immune system, human immunodeficiency virus
infection (HIV), or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking acyclovir,
call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions
should I follow? Acyclovir may cause an
upset stomach. Take acyclovir with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you are using tablets, capsules, or liquid,
take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining
doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.
If you are using ointment, apply it as soon
as you remember and apply further doses at your regular interval
(e.g., every 3 hours) until you go to bed.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take a double dose of either the ointment or oral medication
to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication
cause? Although side effects from acyclovir
are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- burning, stinging, itching, or rash when ointment is applied
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea or loose stools
If you experience any of the following symptoms,
call your doctor immediately:
- severe rash
- severe itching
- fever
- confusion
- yellowness of the skin or eyes
- blood in the urine
- stomach pain
What storage conditions are needed
for this medicine? Keep this medication
in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of
children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose In
case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know? Keep all appointments with your
doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests
to check your response to acyclovir.
Do not have sexual intercourse when you can
see the genital herpes lesions. However, genital herpes can be spread
even when there are no symptoms.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you
finish topical acyclovir, call your doctor.
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