Zovirax
Drug name: Zovirax
Other names used:
- ACV®
- Acycloguanosine®
Active Ingredients:
Acyclovir
Therapeutic actions: Zovirax is an antiviral drug. It works by slowing the growth and spreading of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Zovirax will not cure herpes, but it can decreases the symptoms of the infection.
Indications: Zovirax is used to treat:
- Chickenpox (varicella zoster infection).
- Herpes Zoster
- Herpes simplex infections of the skin, eg cold sores.
- Genital herpes .
- Preventing herpes simplex infections in people whose immune system is weak.
Contraindications and cautions:
You should not use Zovirax:
- if you have an allergy to Acyclovir, Valcyclovir
- if you are pregnant
- if you are breastfeeding
You should talk with your health care provider prior to taking Zovirax in:
- kidney disorders.
- Elderly people.
You should drink plenty of fluids while you are taking this drug.
You should know that genital herpes can be spread through sexual contact
Adverse effects: There are possible side-effects associated with this medicine that can affect individuals in different ways. If a side effect is stated here, that does not necessarily mean the fact that all people using Zovirax will experience it or any other.
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- hair loss
- tiredness
- agitation
- pain, especially in the joints
- vision disorders
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following conditions, call your health care provider immediately:
- difficulty sleeping
- fever, sore throat, chills, cough, and other signs of infection
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- blood in the urine
- stomach pain or cramps
- bloody diarrhea
- hives
- rash or blisters
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- fast heartbeat
- weakness
- pale skin
- decreased urination
- headache
- temporary inability to move parts of your body
- shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
- seizures
- hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
- confusion
- aggressive behavior
- difficulty speaking
- numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms or legs
- temporary inability to move parts of your body
- shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with aciclovir, please read the information provided with Zovirax or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with Zovirax. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to the following drugs:
- amphotericin B (Fungizone);
- aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Nes-RX, Neo-Fradin), paramomycin (Humatin), streptomycin, and tobramycin (Tobi, Nebcin);
- aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs : ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn);
- cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
- sulfonamides : sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim);
- tacrolimus (Prograf);
- vancomycin.
- medications to treat HIV or AIDS such as zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT);
- pentamidine (NebuPent);
- probenecid (Benemid);
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE this medicine with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
