Zovirax
Book a quick face-to-face video consultation with a certified prescribing pharmacist, nurse, or doctor. If approved, your Zovirax will be prescribed* and delivered straight to your door with free next-day delivery†. No hidden fees. No delays. Just expert care.
* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Zovirax Key Facts
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About Zovirax
Zovirax contains aciclovir, an antiviral, as its active ingredient. It is used for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis) and genital herpes (herpes simplex strain 2, HSV-2), which are both herpes viruses.
Aciclovir is also used to treat varicella zoster virus (VZV, herpes zoster), which causes chickenpox and shingles and is also used in immunocompromised patients to prevent infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) in those who have had an organ transplant.
Aciclovir’s mechanism of action is to block certain enzymes in the virus, preventing virus replication. This allows your immune system to control the infection.
NowPatient offers Zovirax and generic aciclovir for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, and shingles, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Zovirax
- Zovirax is an antiviral treatment used for genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults
- Zovirax has some common side effects which include skin reactions, nausea and vomiting
- It can be dangerous if you take Zovirax with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Zovirax suitable for?
Zovirax is suitable for adults between 18 and 65 years of age.
Who is Zovirax not suitable for?
Zovirax may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before using Zovirax if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient aciclovir in the past or any of the other inactive ingredients such as dimeticone, liquid paraffin, propylene glycol, poloxamer 407, purified water, or sodium laurilsulfate
- Have kidney disease
- Have liver problems
- Are over 65 years of age
- Have a weak immune system
How and where to get Zovirax?
You can buy Zovirax safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles, you can discuss if Zovirax is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Zovirax for Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, and shingles
Zovirax is available as a Zovirax tablets, Zovirax cream, suspension, or powder for infusion. When used for Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles, it is available in tablets ranging from 200 to 800 mg tablets.
Information about how to take Zovirax for Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, and shingles
Your dose of Zovirax will depend on the condition you are being treated for:
- Herpes Simplex virus – 200mg, five times a day for 5 days at approximately four hourly intervals
- Genital herpes – 200mg, five times a day or 400mg three times a day for 5 days or longer if new lesion appear or healing incomplete
- Shingles – 800mg five times a day for 7 days at 4 hourly intervals
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time. You should always complete the course of treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider and read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication for further drug information.
What happens if you take too much Zovirax?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much aciclovir and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Zovirax?
Very common side effects include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Lower back pain
- Photosensitivity
- Skin rash
- Itching
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Information about taking Zovirax at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Zovirax. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Also, speak to your doctor if you are taking certain prescription drugs, in case of drug interactions:
- Aminoglycosides
- Methotrexate
- Cyclosporin
- Tacrolimus
- Cimetidine
- Probenecid
Can Zovirax taken for Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, shingles be taken long term?
Courses of treatment of Zovirax range from 5 to 7 days. If your condition has not improved within this time, speak to your doctor for medical advice.
Is there a herbal Zovirax?
No. Herbal Zovirax does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Zovirax?
Women can take Zovirax for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles. However, Zovirax is not recommended during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding as acyclovir may pass into breast milk. Checking with your doctor before taking Zovirax.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Zovirax?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Zovirax for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles?
Condoms can reduce the risk of getting genital herpes if used correctly, but be aware, a condom will only protect the area of the body it covers. You should also avoid sex while you have outbreaks of sores or blisters.
Shingles develops when the varicella-zoster virus, which originally caused chickenpox, is reactivated in your body, after you have already had chickenpox. There are vaccines such as Shingrix that are now available. Speak to your doctor for advice if you are considering the Shingrix vaccine.
Alternatives to Zovirax
Alternatives for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles include other antiviral drugs such as Valtrex, valacyclovir, Famvir, or famciclovir.
Sources
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.
Related Articles
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Zovirax
What is Zovirax?
Zovirax is the brand name for aciclovir (acyclovir), an antiviral medication manufactured by GSK. Zovirax is available as tablets (200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg), cream (5%), eye ointment (3%), and intravenous infusion. The Zovirax Cold Sore Cream (5% aciclovir) is available over the counter from pharmacies. Zovirax is used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV types 1 and 2) including cold sores, genital herpes, and herpes eye infections, as well as varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox and shingles).
What is the difference between Zovirax and generic aciclovir?
Zovirax and generic aciclovir contain the same active ingredient and are bioequivalent. Generic aciclovir is widely available and significantly less expensive than branded Zovirax. Most UK prescriptions are dispensed as generic aciclovir. The Zovirax Cold Sore Cream brand is well-known over the counter, but generic aciclovir cream is equally effective at a lower price. There is no clinical reason to prefer branded Zovirax.
How do I use Zovirax Cold Sore Cream?
Apply Zovirax 5% cream to the cold sore five times daily (approximately every 4 hours during waking hours) for 5 days. Start treatment at the very first sign of tingling, burning, or itching — the earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is. Dab the cream gently onto the affected area; do not rub vigorously. Wash hands before and after application. If the cold sore has not healed after 10 days, consult your pharmacist or GP.
What are the side effects of Zovirax?
Zovirax cream may cause mild stinging, burning, or dryness at the application site. Allergic contact dermatitis is rare. Oral Zovirax tablets are generally well-tolerated; common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and headache. Adequate hydration is important when taking high-dose oral aciclovir to prevent kidney complications. The overall safety profile is excellent and aciclovir is one of the most extensively studied antivirals.
Can I buy Zovirax without a prescription?
Zovirax Cold Sore Cream (5% aciclovir) is available over the counter from pharmacies. A pharmacist may ask a few questions to confirm the cream is suitable. Zovirax tablets require a prescription from your GP, GUM clinic, or online service like NowPatient. Generic aciclovir cream and tablets are also available and offer the same efficacy at a lower price.
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