ZOVIRAX
Used for Shingles
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Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline
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ZOVIRAX Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Warnings & Dosing
What is ZOVIRAX?
ZOVIRAX is the brand name for acyclovir and is available as an oral tablet, capsule and suspension as well as a topical cream and ointment.
What dosages is ZOVIRAX available in?
ZOVIRAX is available as a 200 mg oral capsule and tablet, a 200 mg/5 ml oral suspension, and a 5% topical cream and ointment.
What is ZOVIRAX used for?
ZOVIRAX is an antiviral that is used as follows:
- Oral capsule, tablet, and suspension:
- Genital herpes
- Shingles (herpes zoster)
- Chickenpox (varicella) in people 2 years and older
- Ointment:
- Genital herpes in adults
- HSV infections in adults with a weakened immune system
- Cream
- Cold sores (herpes labialis) that keep coming back in people 12 years and older
How does ZOVIRAX work?
ZOVIRAX is an antiviral medication that stops a protein (an enzyme called DNA polymerase) in the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Without this enzyme, the virus can’t make copies of itself.
How do I take ZOVIRAX?
ZOVIRAX is dosed as follows:
- Oral capsule, tablet, and suspension
- Shingles: The typical dose is 800 mg by mouth 5 times a day (about every 4 hours) for 7 to 10 days
- Genital herpes: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth 5 times a day (about every 4 hours) for 5 to 10 days.
- Suppressive/daily therapy: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth twice a day for up to a year
- Chickenpox: Children (ages 2 to 18 years old and up to 40 kg): Your child’s provider will determine their dose is based on your child’s body weight. The typical dose is 20 mg/kg body weight by mouth 4 times a day for 5 days
- Adults and children over 40 kg: The typical dose is 800 mg by mouth 4 times a day for 5 days
- Ointment
- Genital herpes and HSV infections in people with a weakened immune system: Apply to the affected area(s) every 3 hours (6 times per day) for 7 days. Make sure to use enough to cover all lesions (use one-half inch ribbon of medication per 4 square inches of area). It’s recommended to use a rubber glove when applying to help prevent spreading the infection
- Cream
- Cold Sores: Apply to the affected area(s) 5 times a day for 4 days
- Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems
Is it safe for me to take ZOVIRAX?
ZOVIRAX is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
ZOVIRAX Common Side Effects
Common side effects of ZOVIRAX:
- Oral capsules, tablets, and suspension
- Feeling unwell
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Cream
- Application site reaction
- Ointment
- Burning and stinging at application site
ZOVIRAX Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with ZOVIRAX.
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on ZOVIRAX
The following medications may interact with ZOVIRAX:
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines:
- Dichlorphenamide
- Foscarnet
- Leflunomide
- Nitisinone
- Teriflunomide
Who makes ZOVIRAX?
GlaxoSmithKline
Is ZOVIRAX safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with ZOVIRAX in pregnant women. ZOVIRAX should be used during
pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
What to do if you missed your ZOVIRAX dose
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effectsDrug Savings Tips
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If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the ZOVIRAX prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Things to know
Why was Zovirax discontinued?
What is the equivalent of Zovirax in the USA?
Which is better Valtrex or Zovirax?
What is the over the counter equivalent to Zovirax?
Is there a substitute for Zovirax?
Is there something better than Zovirax for cold sores?
What is the new antiviral for cold sores?
Is Zovirax the same as acyclovir?
Is Zovirax safe to use?
Is Zovirax FDA approved?
What is another name for Zovirax?
What is Zovirax used to treat?
Which is better Valtrex or Zovirax?
What to avoid when taking Zovirax?
Who should not take Zovirax?
How quickly will Zovirax work?
What is a serious side effect of acyclovir?
Is Zovirax antiviral or antifungal?
Is Zovirax a controlled substance?
What heals cold sores quickly?
Is Abreva the same as Zovirax?
Is Zovirax more effective than Abreva?
Is there anything better than Abreva for cold sores?
Which one is better lysine or Abreva?
Do I need a prescription for Zovirax cream?
What's the best cold sore cream?
What is the generic for Zovirax?
What is the best over the counter medicine for cold sores?
Does Abreva work like Valtrex?
Can you buy Zovirax over the counter?
What is comparable to Zovirax?
What is better Valtrex or Zovirax?
Is there a generic version of Zovirax?
Can you get acyclovir without seeing a doctor?
How do I get Zovirax?
What is the generic for Zovirax cream?
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