Approved By the World Health Org

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip, genitals; herpes zoster (shingles) and chickenpox. Topical acyclovir does not prevent the recurrence of sores but may decrease pain and itching if applied when the earliest symptoms first appear. Oral acyclovir decreases the frequency and severity of recurrent sores. Only people with severe herpes infections because of possible adverse effects use it. Zovirax does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching and promotes healing. Zovirax may have some other uses also. You may speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Use Acyclovir as soon as possible after symptoms appear. Acyclovir is used in form of an ointment for use on the skin. When using ointment, clean and dry the skin area before applying the ointment. Wear protective gloves when applying it to prevent the spread of infection. Rub the ointment in gently and cover all sores completely. Do not apply acyclovir ointment to the eyes. It is also used as a tablet, capsule and liquid to take by mouth. Zovirax may cause an upset stomach. Take acyclovir with food or milk. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Take acyclovir exactly as directed. Follow the directions on your prescription label and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking acyclovir without talking to your doctor. Continue to take acyclovir even if you feel well.

Consult your doctor about the possible side effects of using Zovirax for your condition. Inform your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking Acyclovir.

If you are using tablets, capsules or liquid, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. If you are using ointment, apply it as soon as you remember and apply further doses at your regular interval, usually every 3 hours until you go to bed. However, do not take a double dose of either the ointment or oral medication to make up for a missed one. In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

It is very important to know as how Zovirax affects you. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Acyclovir. You need to keep all appointments with your doctor. Continue your normal diet, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Take care to see that no one should take your medication. Always consult your pharmacist if you have any questions about refilling your prescription.

Acyclovir should be stored at room temperature. It should be kept away from excess heat and moisture. Hence, should not be stored in the bathroom. Acyclovir should be kept in the container it came in only. The container should be kept tightly closed and out of reach of children. If the medicine become outdated or you are no longer taking it then you need to discard it safely. Consult your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Before taking Zovirax, check with your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Zovirax, Valacyclovir (Valtrex) or any other drugs.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking, especially probenecid (Benemid), zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT) and vitamins. Also, inform about medical condition like problems with your immune system, human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), if you have or had in past.

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breast-feeding while taking acyclovir. If you become pregnant, inform your doctor.

Do not have sexual intercourse when you can see the genital herpes lesions. However, genital herpes can be spread even when there are no symptoms. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish topical acyclovir, call your doctor.