Common use
Zovirax is an antiviral medication which used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster; and chickenpox. Zovirax stops viral replication, but it does not work in treating certain virus infections, such as the common cold.
Dosage and direction
Take it orally with or without food/milk. The commonly used dose is 200 mg every 4 hours, five times a day for ten days. If the herpes is recurrent, the recommended dose for adults is 400 mg two times a day for 1 year. Washing of your hands will help you to prevent passing the infection to others. Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It's very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It helps you to get the best results.
Precautions
Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Do not touch your eyes after touching an infected area. Do not use without doctor's permission if your medical history includes: kidney disease or liver disease. Zovirax should not be used during pregnancy, becoming pregnant or lactating without doctor's advice. Do not use Zovirax before breast-feeding without doctor's advice.
Contraindications
Zovirax is not allowed in patients with kidney disorders. Also, Zovirax is contraindicated in people who are hypersensitive to Zovirax, Acyclovir or similar drugs.
Possible side effect
They may include an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Also the most possible side effects include pain in your lower back; urinating less than usual or not at all; easy bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness. Less serious include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stomach pain; headache, feeling light-headed; swelling in your hands or feet. If you experience one of them stop using Zovirax and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also, consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.
Drug interaction
Zovirax interact with: probenecid (Benemid), Tizanidine, Varicella Virus Vaccine, Fosphenytoin, Phenytoin, Valproic Acid. Also, note that the interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual, it affects the effect of drugs, so consult with your doctor about how their interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Missed dose
If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Take your usual dose next day in the same regularly time.
Overdose
Symptoms of Zovirax overdose include seizure (convulsions), hallucinations, and urinating less than usual or not at all. If you experience one of them or any unusual symptom call your doctor immediately.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.
