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Zovirax Uses
Zovirax uses are primarily concerned with treating shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. While the drug is not a cure for these conditions, it can help symptoms heal faster by preventing the viruses from multiplying. There are also "off-label" Zovirax uses, such as the treatment of other types of viral infections and the prevention of chickenpox infection in those who have been exposed to the virus.
This article focuses on the oral forms of Zovirax.
(For information on other forms, click Zovirax Cream or Zovirax Ointment.)
Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is caused by a virus (the varicella zoster virus). It is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Most people were infected with this virus and experienced chickenpox when they were children. The body never completely gets rid of the virus, and it remains inactive in certain nerve cells in the body. Later in life, often triggered by stress or illness, the virus can become active again, causing shingles.
Symptoms of shingles may include a rash (usually on only one side of the body) and burning or tingling pain. Usually, the rash forms blisters that may break and ooze. If this happens, you may be able to spread the "shingles virus" to people who have never had chickenpox. Shingles pain can be quite severe. It can continue long after the rash is gone (known medically as postherpetic neuralgia).
(Click Shingles Symptoms for more information about signs and symptoms of shingles.)
When Zovirax is used for the treatment of shingles, it will help the shingles rash heal more quickly. However, the drug is not a cure for shingles, as the virus will always remain in your body and may become active again.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
