Zovirax Oral

Brand Names: Zovirax Oral

Common Name: acyclovir oral

What is this drug used for?

Acyclovir belongs to the family of medications known as antivirals. Acyclovir is used for the treatment and prevention of genital herpes. It is also used for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) and varicella (chickenpox). All of these infections are caused by viruses.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Anyone allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any of the components of the formulation should not use this medication.

What about possible side effects?

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your health professionals. They may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common:

• general feeling of discomfort or illness

Less common (1 to 10%)

• headache
• diarrhea

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare (1% to 10%)

• abdominal or stomach pain
• decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
• increased thirst
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• unusual tiredness or weakness

  Rare:

• black tarry stools
• blood in urine or stools
• chills, fever or sore throat
• confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• hallucinations
• hives
• pinpoint redspots on skin
• trembling
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects not listed above may occur in some people. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

The following medications may affect how acyclovir works or increase the risk of side effects:

• cimetidine
• probenecid
• mycophenolate mofetil
• zidovudine

The following medications may be affected by acyclovir:

• phenytoin
• valproic acid
• theophylline

If you are taking any medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription) and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or illegal drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Other information:

Pregnancy: Acyclovir should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by the doctor.

Breast-feeding: Acyclovir is excreted in breast milk. Caution should therefore be exercised when it is taken by a nursing mother.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this drug have not been adequately studied for children less than 2 years old.

Special Instructions:

Genital herpes: The usual recommended adult dose for genital herpes is 200 mg every four hours, five times daily for 10 days. The dosage varies for suppression of genital herpes recurrences, but usually starts at 200 mg three times daily. You should start acyclovir as early as possible following the onset of signs and symptoms.

Shingles: The recommended dose for shingles is 800 mg every four hours, five times daily for 7 to 10 days. Treatment should be started within 72 hours of onset of the rash or lesions.

Chickenpox: The recommended dose for chickenpox is based on body weight. The usual dose is 20 mg per kilogram of body weight (not to exceed 800 mg) four times daily for five days. Therapy should be started within 24 hours of onset of the rash.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

This medication should be taken regularly, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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