Zovirax

acyclovir

Zovirax (Acyclovir) is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox. Zovirax is also used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip and genitals and herpes zoster. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching and promotes healing.

Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). Zovirx may be taken with or without food. Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with acyclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

-Adult treatment of herpes simplex: 200 mg 5 times daily at 4 hourly intervals for 5 days, omit night dose.
-Suppression of Herpes simplex infection in immuno-competent patient and prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immuno-compromised patient: 200 mg 4 times daily at approximately 6 hourly interval. Many patients may be conveniently managed on a regimen of 400 mg 2 times daily at every 12 hours.
-Treatment of varicella Herpes zoster (shingles): 800 mg 5 times daily at 4 hourly intervals for 7 days. Omit night dose.
-Childn Treatment of Herpes simplex and prophylaxis of Herpes simplex in immunocompromised: 2 years - the same as adult dose, <2 year - 1/2 of adult dose.
-Treatment of varicella infection: 6 years - 800 mg 4 times daily, 2-5 years - 400 mg 4 times daily, <2 years - 200 mg 4 times daily. Dose may be more accurately calculated as 20 mg/kg (Max: 800 mg 4 times daily).
-Adult Herpes simplex (except Herpes encephalitis) or Varicella zoster infections: 5 mg/kg 8 hourly.
-Immuno-compromised patient Varicella zoster infections or patient with Herpes encephalitis: 10 mg/kg 8 hourly.
-Childn Herpes simplex (except Herpes encephalitis) or Varicella zoster infections: 200-250 mg 8 hourly.
-Immuno-compromised childn with Varicella zoster infections or childn with Herpes encephalitis: 400-500 mg 8 hourly.

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Zovirax. More common side effects may include: diarrhea, general feeling of bodily discomfort, nausea, vomiting.

Zovirax is generally safe. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Zovirax overdose may include: agitation, kidney failure, lethargy, coma, seizures.

Zovirax seems relatively safe during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it should be used only if its benefits outweigh the potential risk to the baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Zovirax appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment with Zovirax is finished.