By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo

TheMediTary.Com

Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com

  • Home
  • News
  • Drugs
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Medical Answers
  • About Us
  • Contact
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo
Search Drugs
  • Drugs
    • Latest Drugs
    • Drugs A-Z
    • Medical Answers
  • News
    • FDA Alerts
    • Medical News
    • Health
    • Consumer Updates
    • Children's Health
  • More TheMediTary.Com
    • About Us
    • Contact
Follow US
Home > Drugs > Purine nucleosides > Zovirax
Purine nucleosides

Zovirax

https://themeditary.com/drug/zovirax-855.html
Medically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD TheMediTary.Com | Reviewed: Jul 12, 2023  Additional Content by TheMediTary.Com

Generic name: acyclovir (oral) [ a-sye-klo-veer ]

Drug class: Purine nucleosides

Dosage form: capsules, tablets and suspension

Availability: Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available

Brand names: Acyclovir, Sitavig, Acyclovir (systemic) (monograph), Acyclovir (injection)

Contents
Uses Warnings Before Taking Dosage Side effects Interactions
  • Zovirax (Acyclovir (oral) [ a-sye-klo-veer ])-ZOVIRAX Logo-400 mg-White-U-shape Zovirax 400 mg (ZOVIRAX Logo)
  • Zovirax (Acyclovir (oral) [ a-sye-klo-veer ])-ZOVIRAX 800-800 mg-Purple-Oval Zovirax 800 mg (ZOVIRAX 800)
  • Zovirax (Acyclovir (oral) [ a-sye-klo-veer ])-Wellcome ZOVIRAX 200-200 mg-Blue-Capsule-shape Zovirax 200 mg (Wellcome ZOVIRAX 200)
  • View all images

What is Zovirax?

Zovirax is an antiviral drug. Acyclovir slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body.

Zovirax is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox.

Zovirax will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Warnings

Take Zovirax for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Treatment with Zovirax should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Zovirax. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Zovirax if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex).

To make sure Zovirax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • kidney disease; or

  • a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Herpes can be passed to your baby during childbirth if you have a genital lesion when your baby is born. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. Take your medicine as directed to best control your infection.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Zovirax should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Zovirax pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

How should I use Zovirax

Take Zovirax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Start taking Zovirax as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Acyclovir doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

Drink plenty of water while you are taking Zovirax to keep your kidneys working properly.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses may increase the risk of your virus becoming resistant to medication.

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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Detailed Zovirax dosage information
Zovirax Dosage information (more detail)

Before Taking

You should not take Zovirax if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex).

To make sure Zovirax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • kidney disease; or

  • a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Herpes can be passed to your baby during childbirth if you have a genital lesion when your baby is born. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. Take your medicine as directed to best control your infection.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Zovirax should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Zovirax pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, acyclovir, valacyclovir, Valtrex, Deltasone, tetracaine topical, lysine

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Zovirax?

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Zovirax. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing genital herpes to your sexual partner. Avoid sexual intercourse while you have active lesions or the first symptoms of an outbreak. Genital herpes may still be contagious through "viral shedding" from your skin, even if you have no symptoms.

Zovirax side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zovirax: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

  • changes in behavior;

  • confusion, hallucinations; or

  • signs of a kidney problem - little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.

Common Zovirax side effects may include:

  • mild skin pain;

  • rash, itching;

  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

  • headache; or

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more: Zovirax Side Effects

What other drugs will affect Zovirax?

Acyclovir can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other drugs may interact with acyclovir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

More about Zovirax (Acyclovir (oral) [ a-sye-klo-veer ])

Dosage information
Zovirax Side Effects
During pregnancy
Zovirax Prescribing Information
Drug images
Side effects
Drug class: Purine nucleosides

Patient resources

Zovirax (Suspension)

Related treatment guides

Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Labialis)
Herpes Simplex
Herpes Simplex - Congenital
Herpes Simplex, Suppression
Share this Article
Contents
Uses Warnings Before Taking Dosage Side effects Interactions
Related Drugs
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec
Cerave Anti-Itch
Centrum Adult
Crovalimab
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe
Zepbound Pen
Mylanta One
Uretron Ds
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing
Lidotrode

Other drugs

Name Drug Class Updated
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec Drugs 03-Oct-2024
Cerave Anti-Itch Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Centrum Adult Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Crovalimab Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe Drugs 01-Oct-2024
Zepbound Pen Drugs 30-Sep-2024
Mylanta One Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Uretron Ds Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Lidotrode Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Libervant Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Moderna Covid-19 Drugs 25-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024

Categories

  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health

About US

Welcome to TheMediTary.Com

Our website provides reliable and up-to-date information on various medical topics. We empower individuals to take charge of their health by simplifying complex medical jargon and providing practical tips and advice. We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our users and welcome feedback to improve our services.

Website use data of FDA and other sources

DMCA.com Protection Status Truste Protection Status Trust Mark Protection Status
HONcode logo We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.
Quick Link
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • DMCA
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Sitemap
  • Care Notes
  • Health Guide
  • Professional
Drugs
  • New Drugs
  • Medical Answers
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Drug Classes
  • Drug Dosage
  • Pill Identifier
  • Consumer Infor
  • Side Effects
  • Inactive Ingredients
  • Pregnancy Warnings
  • Patient Tips
  • Treatments
News
  • Latest News
  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health
Find US
  • Medium
  • Google Site
  • Blogspot
  • API
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • Scoop.it
  • Substack
  • Wordpress
  • Wix
  • Behance

© 2025 TheMediTary.Com All rights reserved. Operated by