Zovirax
® (
acyclovir) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
This article focuses on the oral forms (the ones taken by mouth).
(Click Zovirax Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Zovirax is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
Shingles, genital herpes, and chickenpox are caused by viruses. Once a person has been infected with one of these viruses, the virus never goes away. It remains inactive in certain nerve cells of the body, waiting to become active again. Zovirax is an antiviral medication that helps the body fight the infection. It does this by preventing the virus from multiplying.
Several studies have examined how well Zovirax treats shingles, genital herpes, and chickenpox.
Shingles
In studies looking at Zovirax for shingles, the drug helped shingles lesions to heal faster and helped reduce pain. It also helped to prevent nerve pain associated with shingles. Studies suggested that the medication was more effective when started within the first 48 hours after symptoms appeared and worked better in people over 50 years old.
Genital Herpes
For people who took Zovirax to treat their first
genital herpes infection, the lesions healed more quickly and were painful for a shorter period of time, compared to those who did not take the drug.
Studies also showed that Zovirax helps prevent genital herpes outbreaks in people with frequent recurrences (six or more outbreaks per year). In these people, the medication reduced the frequency and severity of outbreaks.
Chickenpox
In studies, Zovirax helped
chickenpox lesions to heal 50 percent faster, reduced the number of lesions, and decreased the chance of fever or loss of appetite. In these studies, the medication was used within 24 hours after the appearance of chickenpox in children.
General considerations for when and how to take Zovirax include the following:
- The medication comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and a suspension (oral liquid). An injectable form (used for more serious herpes infections), cream, and ointment are also available.
- Zovirax can be taken with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Be sure to shake the liquid form thoroughly before each dose.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Make sure to take Zovirax as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
The dose of Zovirax your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age and weight
- The condition being treated
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Zovirax. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Side Effects of Zovirax to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider. You can also read about a specific side effect by clicking Zovirax Hair Loss.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Zovirax?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Zovirax may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Agitation
- Coma
- Seizures
- Lethargy
- Kidney damage.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Zovirax as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Zovirax tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Zovirax 400 mg
- Zovirax 800 mg.
Zovirax capsules are available in one strength -- Zovirax 200 mg.
Zovirax suspension is available in one strength -- Zovirax Suspension 200 mg per 5 mL (200 mg per teaspoonful).
Is There a Generic Version of Zovirax?
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Zovirax are licensed for sale
(see Generic Zovirax).
