Zovirax and its Uses
Zovirax medication treats certain types of viral infections, specifically herpes infections. Zovirax will not cure herpes infections; it will help the sores heal faster and help to relieve the pain or discomfort.
Sometimes Zovirax is given to help prevent the infection from coming back. Zovirax also treats shingles and chickenpox infections.
Zovirax is used to treat shingles as well as herpes simplex virus and other types of herpes virus infections, which can cause painful blisters and lesions. Zovirax reduces the severity of outbreaks and prevents the development of new blisters. Zovirax cannot treat CMV disease, which is also caused by a herpes virus. Zovirax can prevent herpes simplex outbreaks, which may help people co-infected with HIV and herpes simplex live longer. High dose of Zovirax is used to treat hairy leukoplakia, a viral infection that usually shows up on the sides of the tongue.
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The herpes viruses include the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes (herpes simplex 1 and 2) and the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles (varicella zoster or herpes varicellae). Zovirax works by stopping these herpes viruses from reproducing and infecting more cells in the body.
Zovirax is converted to a more active form inside cells of the body that are infected with herpes viruses. The activated aciclovir then works by blocking the action of a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase.
The herpes viruses need the DNA polymerase enzyme to copy their genetic material from RNA to DNA. This process is necessary for the viruses to multiply and continue to survive. By blocking the action of DNA polymerase, Zovirax prevents the herpes viruses from multiplying. This controls the infection and helps the immune system to deal with it.
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Zovirax Dose
Missed Dose of Zovirax
Take the missed dose of Zovirax as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of Zovirax unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Excess Dose of Zovirax
Zovirax in excess dose may show symptoms of include seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage (decreased urine production).
Conditions for Storage of Zovirax
Store Zovirax at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Potencies of Zovirax
Zovirax tablets Zovirax 200 mg , Zovirax 400 mg & Zovirax 800 mg
Ointment: Zovirax 3% Eye Ointment
Cream: Zovirax 5% Cream
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Food and Drug Interactions with Zovirax
Probenecid (Benemid) may increase the effects of Zovirax and lead to dangerous side effects. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking probenecid.
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Contraindications with Zovirax
Zovirax is contraindicated in allergy to it or Valacyclovir.
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Precautions with Zovirax
Zovirax should be used with caution in decreased kidney function.
Do not take Zovirax without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby since Zovirax passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant.
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Adverse Effects with Zovirax
The adverse effects associated with Zovirax include
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)
- Alteration in results of liver function tests
- Disturbance in the components of the blood
- False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations)
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
- Decreased kidney function
- Skin reactions such as rash and itch
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