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Zovirax Oral

(acyclovir oral)

In this factsheet:
• How does Zovirax Oral work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Zovirax Oral?
• What form(s) does Zovirax Oral come in?
• Who should NOT take Zovirax Oral?
• What side effects are possible with Zovirax Oral?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Zovirax Oral?
• What other drugs could interact with Zovirax Oral?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Zovirax Oral work? What will it do for me?

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.

How should I use Zovirax Oral?

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.

What form(s) does Zovirax Oral come in?

Suspension

Each 5 mL of off-white, banana-flavoured suspension contains acyclovir 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: banana flavour, cellulose, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, sorbitol, vanillin and water.

Tablets

Zovirax 200
Each blue, shield-shaped, bevelled-edge, compressed tablet, imprinted "ZOVIRAX" on one side and a triangle on the reverse contains acyclovir 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, indigotine, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone and sodium starch glycolate.

ZOVIRAX 400 Wellstat Pac
Each pink, shield-shaped, bevelled-edge, compressed tablet, imprinted with "ZOVIRAX 400" on one side and a triangle on the reverse, contains acyclovir 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, magnesium stearate, povidone, iron oxide and sodium starch glycolate.

Zovirax 800 Zostab Pac
Each blue, biconvex, elongated, scored, compressed tablet, imprinted with "ZOVIRAX 800" on one side, contains acyclovir 800 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, indigotine, povidone, magnesium stearate and sodium starch glycolate.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Zovirax Oral?

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

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