Drug Uses

Zovirax is a medicine used for treatment of herpes infections of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. The medicine does not cure these conditions but reduces the pain and the itching. Topical Zovirax cannot prevent the new occurrence of sores but it can reduce the pain and itching if it is applied after the first symptoms appear. Oral Zovirax reduces the frequency and severity of recurrent sores but should be used only by people who have severe herpes infections because it may cause serious side effects. The drug may also be used for treatment of other conditions.

How Taken

The treatment with the topical Zovirax should start as soon as possible after the appearance of the symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). You should wash your hands before you apply Zovirax and after that. It is recommended that you wear a glove or a finger cot to avoid spreading of the virus to other parts of the body or to other people. Keep the medicine away from the eyes. Apply Zovirax six times a day, every 3 hours, for a period of seven days. Use the medicine until the end of the prescribed period even if you feel well. The lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept clean and dry.

Warnings/Precautions

Inform your doctor before using Zovirax if you have any medical conditions or if you take any other medicines. Do not take Ultram during pregnancy because it is not known if the medicine is harmful to an unborn baby as it falls into the FDA pregnancy category C. Talk to your doctor before using Ultram if you are pregnant. Also, consult your doctor if you are breast-feeding because it is not known if Ultram can pass into breast milk and can affect the baby.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, apply Zovirax as soon as you remember and continue applying the next doses at the regular intervals. If it is already time for your next dose, skip the missed one and take the scheduled one. Do no take a double dose.

Possible Side Effects

Serious side effects are not expected to occur during treatment with Zovirax topical. Immediately search for medical help if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; rash; hives; itching; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face). If you have any of the following less serious side effects, continue using Zovirax but inform your doctor: itching, stinging, burning, or a rash. These side effects should diappear quickly. Other different side effects that are not listed here may also occur. If you notice some unusual effects or conditions, inform your doctor about them.

Storage

Zovirax should be stored below 25oC. Avoid the freezing of the medicine.

Overdose

An overdose of Zovirax is very unlikely to occur but in case you suspect an overdose, consult your doctor.

More Information

Zovirax should not be used by patients who are hypersensitive to acyclovir or propylene glycol. The medicine is most effective if the treatment has started within 48 hours after the first symptoms appear. Follow the instructions of your doctor.

Disclaimer

These instructions are for your information only. Be aware that the directions don't cover all uses, medicine interactions, precautions, or unfavorable effects. These prescriptions are only informative and shouldn't be relied on for any further actions. Don't accept the instructions as directions for application for any specific complaint. We deny all responsibility for the preciseness and trustiness of the information displayed and/or any results proceeding from it inclusive of harms or undesirable consequences to people or possessions if such occur. No warranty, either expressed or referred to, is made in connection to the above information.