Zovirax Information |
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 Zovirax
is used in the treatment of chickenpox, genital or systemic herpes infections, and shingles.
Zovirax does not cure herpes, but decreases the number of outbreaks and helps sores heal faster.
It may be used to prevent recurrent herpes simplex infections in patients with compromised
immune systems. This antiviral medication may treat certain other viral infections, but is
ineffective against the cold virus. Zovirax information section contains essential Zovirax facts
which to help you gain useful information about the benefits of Zovirax. The following
information is a summary about Zovirax. It is not intended to replace a doctors
instructions.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise
and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should
not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for
you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ZOVIRAX INFORMATION
Brand Name: Zovirax®
Generic Name: Acyclovir
Zovirax cream contains the active ingredient Acyclovir, which is an antiviral medicine. It
is used to treat skin infections with the herpes simplex virus, for example cold sores and
genital herpes (caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2). (NB. Acyclovir cream is also
available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)
Acyclovir works by
stopping the herpes simplex virus from reproducing and infecting more cells.
Acyclovir is converted to a more active form inside cells of the body that are infected with
herpes simplex. The activated acyclovir then works by blocking the action of a viral enzyme
called DNA polymerase.
The herpes virus needs the DNA polymerase enzyme to copy its
genetic material from RNA to DNA. This process is necessary for the virus to multiply and
continue to survive. By blocking the action of DNA polymerase, acyclovir prevents the herpes
virus from multiplying. This controls the infection and helps the immune system to deal with
it.
For recurrent infections acyclovir cream is most effective if treatment is started
as soon as the first signs of the infection begin to reappear.
ZOVIRAX INGREDIENTS AND COMPOSITION
Each gram of Zovirax Cream 5% contains 50 mg of
Acyclovir in a polyethylene glycol (PEG) base.
BEFORE USING ZOVIRAX
It is important for you to mention on the medical questionnaire all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine you are taking, as well as any medical conditions, including
allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Before using Zovirax topical, tell your doctor if you
have any other medical conditions or if you use any other medications. Zovirax topical is in
the FDA pregnancy category C, which means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn
baby. Do not use Zovirax topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It
is not known whether Zovirax topical passes into breast milk. Do not use Zovirax topical
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
ZOVIRAX DIRECTIONS
Follow the directions for using Zovirax provided by your doctor. Do not miss any doses. IF
YOU MISS A DOSE, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Treatment with Zovirax topical should
be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning,
blisters). Wash your hands before and after applying Zovirax topical. Wear a glove or a finger
cot or use an applicator (e.g. cotton swab) when applying Zovirax topical to avoid spreading
the virus to other body parts and to other people. Apply enough ointment to cover the
lesion(s) completely. A one-half inch ribbon of ointment should cover approximately 4 square
inches of surface area. Avoid getting this medication in the eyes. Zovirax topical is usually
applied every 3 hours, six times a day for seven days. Follow your doctor's instructions. Use
Zovirax topical for the full amount of time prescribed, even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Lesions caused by
herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to
prevent irritation of the lesions.
HOW DO I USE ZOVIRAX CREAM ?
Zovirax Cream is most effective when used early, at the start of a cold sore. For best
results, apply the cream at the first sign of a cold sore (such as tingle, redness, bump, or
itch).
- Wash your hands before using Zovirax Cream.
- Apply Zovirax Cream to clean, dry skin.
- Apply a layer of Zovirax Cream to cover only the cold sore or cover only the area of
tingling (or other symptoms) before the cold sore appears. Rub the cream in until it
disappears.
- Apply the cream 5 times a day for 4 days.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after applying Zovirax Cream. This should remove any
cream left on the hands.
ZOVIRAX SIDE EFFECTS
Zovirax Side Effects - See Here
ZOVIRAX MISSED DOSE AND OVERDOSE :
Zovirax Cream Missed Dose :
Apply it as soon as you remember and apply
further doses at your regular interval (e.g., every 3 hours) until you go to bed. However, if
it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take a Zovirax double dose to make up for a missed one.
Zovirax Overdose :
If a Zovirax overdose is suspected, contact your
local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Zovirax may be harmful if
swallowed.
ZOVIRAX WARNINGS
- Avoid contact with the eyes.
- This preparation is for external use only.
- This cream is not suitable for application to mucous membranes such as inside the mouth,
eye or vagina, as it may be irritant to these areas.
- Wash your hands before and after applying the cream and avoid touching sores
unnecessarily, with either hands or towels, to avoid spreading the infection.
- This medicine is not recommended for the treatment of infections in people whose immune
systems have a decreased ability to fight infections (immunocompromised people, for example
people with AIDS or people who have had a bone marrow transplant). These people should consult
their doctor concerning the treatment of infections so that the most effective treatment can
be prescribed.
NOT TO BE USED IN
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please
inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform
your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other
medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the
mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or
planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected
benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice
from your doctor.
- This medicine may pass into breast milk, but in such small quantities that it is unlikely
to harm the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor before breastfeeding.
STORING ZOVIRAX
Do not store above 30°C (86°F). Avoid freezing.
COMMON MISSPELLINGS OF ZOVIRAX
Zovirax is sometimes misspelled. The most frequent examples are Sovirax, Zavirax, Zovyrax,
Zoviraks, Zowirax, Zivirax, Zovirox, Savirax and Zoviroks. The correct
/ full name for this prescription drug is "Zovirax".
MORE ZOVIRAX INFORMATION SITES
Additional Zovirax Information Sites :
Zovirax Information at RXlist
Zovirax Information at National Library of Medicine
Zovirax Information at Ahealthyme Drug Database
Zovirax FAQ at Druginfonet
Zovirax Information at Yahoo Health
Zovirax Information at Drugs.com
ZOVIRAX MANUFACTURER
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Zovirax® is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's
leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the
quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.
Web site : http://www.gsk.com |
Contact Information :
5 Moore Drive P.O. Box 13398 Research Triangle Park NC
27709
Phone : 1-888-825-5249 |
Zovirax Information
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