Zovirax and/or Equivalents

Zovirax

Zovirax Drug Description

The generic name for Zovirax is acyclovir. This synthetic nucleoside acts against all types of herpes viruses. Zovirax is available as capsules, tablets and suspensions suitable for oral administration. Acyclovir is a crystalline white powder. A capsule of Zovirax contains 200 mg of acyclovir as the active ingredient. The inactive components are lactose, sodium lauryl sulphate, magnesium stearate and cornstarch. The capsule shell is gelatinous and contains titanium dioxide and FD&C Blue No. 2. Each 400 mg table of the drug consists of 400 mg of acyclovir. The non-essential ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, providone, sodium starch glycolate and FD&C Blue No. 2. Each 800 mg of the table contains 800 mg of the acyclovir. The inessential components are microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, providone, sodium starch glycolate and FD&C Blue No. 2. 5 ml of Zovirax suspension has 200 mg of acyclovir as the active ingredient and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, glycerine, sorbitol and flavours. Additionally the suspension contains methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives.

Conditions Treated by Zovirax

Zovirax is an antiviral drug. It controls the growth of the herpes virus and prevents it from spreading within the body. It does not cure the infection but it limits the symptoms of the disease. It is important to start the drug in the early stages of the infection. Physicians use Zovirax to alleviate the symptoms of diseases caused by the herpes viruses. The conditions are chicken pocks, shingles, cold sore and genital herpes. Doctors may use the drug to treat other conditions, as well.

Zovirax Dosage Information

It is crucial to take Zovirax as recommended by your doctor. Continue the drug for the entire period prescribed, even if the symptoms of the disease disappear. The dosage depends upon the condition to be treated and the severity of the symptoms.

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Typically, doctors prescribe 20 mg of the drug, four times a day for five days to children with chicken pocks. Adults need 800 mg of Zovirax, four times a day for five days. Doctors recommend a dosage of 200 mg of Zovirax, every four hours for ten days for patients suffering from genital herpes. It is vital to follow the dosage system recommended by the doctor for safe and effective treatment of your condition. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset. Have a full glass of water with the medication. If you are administering the oral suspension to a child or an infant, shake the bottle well before use. Use a measuring spoon to measure out the medicine. Since Zovirax could affect the kidneys, it is important to take plenty of water during the course of the medication. For treatment of recurring infections of the herpes virus, 400 mg of Zovirax, twice a day may be necessary for about a year. An alternative regimen could include 200 mg of the medication three to five times a day, depending upon the severity of the infection. Physicians may modify the dosage of Zovirax for reducing the symptoms of herpes viral infections in patients with renal impairment.

b.) Missing a dose

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember about it. However, do not take the dose, if it is almost time for next scheduled dose. It is inadvisable to take an additional dose to catch up on the missed dose.

c.) Overdosing

Overdosing on Zovirax could cause some serious adverse effects. The symptoms of an extra dose could include hallucinations, seizure and reduced urination. It is vital to look for immediate emergency medical assistance, if you take an extra dose inadvertently.

Zovirax Warnings

An individual allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir ought not to take Zovirax. It is advisable to let your doctor know about allergies to any drug. In addition, you must inform him about medication you might be having for any other condition. A patient with kidney problems must notify the doctor about it. The doctor may adjust the dosage to suit the patient's condition. Zovirax does not affect a newborn baby born to a pregnant woman taking the drug. It is however, important to let your doctor know if you are pregnant. Since acyclovir passes into the breast milk, a lactating mother must consult a doctor about her condition before taking Zovirax. Store tablets, capsules and suspensions in a cool and dry place. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush unused medicines into the toilet. Ask your pharmacist about a safe disposal method for discarded medication.

Zovirax Side Effects

Acyclovir or any of the inactive additives in Zovirax may induce allergies in a person taking the medication. The signs of an allergic response could include swelling of the tongue, lips, throat and face. A person may have difficulty in breathing due to blocked air passages. This could be fatal. An individual must seek emergency medical action by calling the poison or trauma centre at the first signs of an allergic reaction to acyclovir. Initial reactions may include hives or skin rashes. Zovirax may cause side effects like pain in the lower back, weakness, reduced urination and a tendency to bruise easily. It is important to let your doctor know about the adverse effects as soon as they occur. Your doctor may adjust the dosage to eliminate the effects. There are other less severe side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, headaches and swelling of hands and feet. The list of side effects is not complete. It is important to let your doctor about any unusual indication after taking the medication.

Zovirax Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about any medicines you might be taking for other medical conditions, if your doctor prescribes Zovirax. Studies have established conclusively that the drug probenecid interacts with acyclovir. However, your doctor could adjust the dosage of the medication to reduce an interaction between the two drugs. Other drugs, which could interact with acyclovir, are albuterol, cetirizine, zolpidem, sertaline, diphenhydramine, ondasetron, duloxetine, acetaminophen, cyclobenzaprine, topiramate, hydrochlorothiazide, levothyroxine, ibuprofen, montelukast, lisinopril, fluoxetine, omeprazole, promethzine and prednisone. The list of drugs that could interact with acyclovir is not exhaustive. It is wise to consult your doctor on taking vitamins, supplements and herbal medications along with Zovirax. Clinical reports have suggested that cholecalciferol or Vitamin D interacts with acyclovir.

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Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Zovirax and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information