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Acyclovir Cream (Zovirax)

 

Acyclovir Cream (generic Zovirax) Review

brand name: Zovirax
generic names: Aciclovir, Acyclovir

How does it work?

Zovirax cold sore cream contains the active ingredient aciclovir, which is an antiviral medicine used to treat infections with the herpes virus. This cream is used to treat cold sores, which are caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus.

Aciclovir works by stopping the herpes simplex virus from reproducing and infecting more cells.

Aciclovir is converted to a more active form inside cells of the body that are infected with herpes simplex. The activated aciclovir then works by blocking the action of a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase.

The herpes virus needs the DNA polymerase enzyme to copy its genetic material from RNA to DNA. This process is necessary for the virus to multiply and continue to survive. By blocking the action of DNA polymerase, aciclovir prevents the herpes virus from multiplying. This controls the infection and helps the immune system to deal with it.

This aciclovir cream is designed for the treatment of herpes simplex infections of the lips (cold sores) and is not recommended for use in genital herpes.

For recurrent cold sores aciclovir cream is most effective if treatment is started as soon as the first signs of the infection begin to reappear.

Do NOT use Zovirax (Acyclovir) Capsules if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zovirax (Acyclovir) Capsules or valacyclovir

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

How should you take Zovirax (Acyclovir)?

Your medication should not be shared with others, and the prescribed dose should not be exceeded. You can take Zovirax (Acyclovir) with or without food.

Zovirax (Acyclovir) cream should not be used in or near the eyes, or inside the nose or mouth. The medication can, however, be applied on the outside of the lips. Apply the cream with your fingers to clean, dry skin. Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying Zovirax cream, and avoid bathing or swimming afterward to prevent it from washing off. Do not cover the cold sore with a bandage or make-up unless your doctor approves.

Zovirax (Acyclovir) ointment should not be used in or near the eyes. To reduce the risk of spreading the infection, use a rubber glove to apply the ointment.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I take this medicine?

Take acyclovir tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow whole with a full glass of water. You can take acyclovir with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  
  
• This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  
  

What does my medication look like?

Acyclovir is available with a prescription under the brand name Zovirax (Acyclovir). Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Zovirax (Acyclovir) suspension 200 mg/5 mL--off-white, banana-flavored suspension
• Zovirax (Acyclovir) 800 mg--light-blue, oval tablets
• Zovirax (Acyclovir) 400 mg--white, shield-shaped tablets
• Zovirax (Acyclovir) 200 mg--blue capsules

• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, allergic reactions, drug interactions, warnings, precautions, directions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
• Remember, never share your medicines with others, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.03. Revision Date: 8/22/06 2:01:52 PM.