Lactose free aciclovir

Zovirax (Acyclovir) Medication Information:

What is Zovirax?

Zovirax is a prescription medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called antivirals. Zovirax contains aciclovir as its active ingredient and has potent antiviral activity. This medication is mainly used for the treatment of viral infections like genital herpes, cold sores, and chickenpox.

Benefits and uses of Zovirax:

  • Doctors generally prescribe Zovirax to treat initial episodes of genital herpes and to suppress the frequent recurrence of genital herpes. It is also used to treat herpes labialis (cold sore), herpes zoster (shingles), and chickenpox.
  • Zovirax does not cure the viral disease but it reduces your symptoms and the severity of the infection. It helps to decrease pain and itching, speed up sore healing, and prevent new sore formation.
  • In people with genital herpes, Zovirax does not protect against the spread of the virus to others. You can spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms. Therefore always use an effective barrier method such as condoms or dental dams during all sexual activity.

How to use Zovirax?

If you are diagnosed with the herpes virus, start the therapy as soon as possible or at the first sign of an outbreak. Your doctor may prescribe you Zovirax tablets depending on your age and medical condition. The tablets are taken orally with or without food.

Recommended dosage:

  • For genital herpes:The initial recommended dosage is one 200mg tablet every 4 hours 5 times daily. Use it for no more than 4 days. Consult with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 days.
  • For suppression of recurrent genital herpes:The initial recommended dosage is 200mg three times daily. If conditions do not improve, the dosage can be increased to five times daily.
  • For chickenpox:Not more than 800mg 4 times daily for five days. Start the therapy within 24 hours once the rash appears.
  • For herpes zoster:800mg of Zovirax every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days. Start the therapy within 72 hours of the onset of lesions.

Take the medication at the same times every day for maximum benefit. Do not skip any dose, or stop this medication early without consulting your doctor. Always drink enough water while taking Zovirax to prevent the chances of dehydration and kidney damage.

Side effects of Zovirax:

Patients may experience some common side effects after taking Zovirax, including:

  • Loss of appetite.
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and Vomiting.
  • Stomach pain.
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Fever

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any serious side effects, including:

  • Kidney problems.
  • Bloody or dark urine.
  • Unusual back pain.
  • Agitation, confusion, hallucinations.
  • Trouble speaking.
  • Sudden vision changes.
  • Drug Interactions.

Safety Information:

  • Do not take Zovirax if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
  • Before starting the treatment, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially of kidney problems, liver diseases, HIV, and organ transplants.
  • Do not use alcoholic beverages or marijuana along with the treatment.
  • You should not get certain vaccines including the chickenpox vaccine while using the medication.
  • If you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother, consult with your doctor about the safety of Zovirax.

References:

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Last updated:

as of:

Uses the medication:
  • Treatment of viral infections such as genital herpes as long-term treatment.
  • Relieves common cold symptoms, such as pain and itching.

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Aciclovir 400 MG Oral TabletBy GMAKESTSHILANDAGOON

SKU

Aciclovir 400-MG-OralTablet

Treatment for cold sores (a herpes virus) with or without genital herpes. Also for management of genital herpes outbreaks. For shingles (herpes zoster) with or without fever.

Genital herpes. Also for management of herpes sores (herpes zoster). For shingles (shingles caused by herpes simplex (shingles-like symptoms). Also for management of herpes zoster with or without fever.

Also for management of herpes zoster with fever. For shingles with or without fever. Also for management of cold sores (kraurosis). Also for management of genital herpes outbreaks with fever.

Management of herpes zoster with fever.

Management of herpes outbreaks with fever.

Management of genital herpes with shingles.

Management of herpes with chicken pox.

Management of herpes with cream.

Management of herpes with food.

Management of herpes with alcohol.

Management of herpes with propylene glycol.

Management of herpes with sodium benzoate.

Management of herpes with insulin. Also for management of herpes outbreaks with fever. For management of genital herpes with loss of a fetus.

More Information
CautionsFor external use
WarningThe medication may cause stomach bleeding or kidney failure. Children and adolescents under the age of 18 are at greater risk.
ManagementAvoid use if you have herpes. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
ContraindicationShould not be used if you have been advised not to have any sex. If you are allergic to aciclovir, any other medications, or to the active ingredients in aciclovir cream, aciclovir cream or ointment, it is contraindicated in a contraindication, unless advised otherwise.
Side EffectsCommon, rare, and very serious.
InteractionHormonal changes, vitamins, or herbs. Discuss any interactions with other medications. Aciclovir may reduce the effectiveness of topical antiviral medications.
Interaction Withossal.Huge. Discuss this with your doctor if you are using aciclovir for the first time. The medication may increase the risk of an allergic reaction, especially if you have had it before.
Side Effects OfAllergic reactions, especially if severe or persistent, and high blood pressure.
InfectionHormonal changes, medications, and foods. Discuss the risks and benefits of using aciclovir for the first time. Aciclovir may decrease the effectiveness of antiviral medications. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with aciclovir with your doctor.
Mood Stabil.Treatments that increase the frequency of outbreaks. For treatment of cold sores (herpes zoster). For treatment of herpes with chicken pox.
Drug Interaction.The medication may decrease the effectiveness of antiviral medications.

Aciclovir is a drug used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles.The drug is available in 5mg and 10mg tablets and the recommended dose is one tablet twice daily.

The most common side effects of aciclovir include:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea that lasts for more than 4 days
  • Tiredness
  • Unusual tiredness

If you experience any of these serious side effects, immediately call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment.

What is aciclovir used to treat?

It is prescribed for treating herpes infections and shingles by applying cream to the area or by injecting a small amount into the area.

If aciclovir is used to treat viral infections, the treatment is similar to that for cold sores.

The cream may be applied to the affected area by a healthcare professional as well as by a doctor or nurse.

How do I take it?

Acyclovir can be taken orally. It is a type of medication that is available under the brand names:

  • Viruses that are HSV types 1 (genital herpes) and 2 (cold sores).
  • Cold sores.
  • Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

Acyclovir is taken as a single dose in the morning, twice a day, for seven days.

How effective is it?

Acyclovir is a drug used to treat infections such as:

  • Herpes simplex (cold sores)
  • Cold sores, and to treat shingles (herpes zoster).
  • Shingles.
  • Treating herpes infections.

If you are taking aciclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking it for a certain condition.

It is important to know that the medicine can cause side effects that may need to be treated.

How should I take it?

The medication should be taken exactly as it is prescribed for you. It is important to follow all the instructions on the label and to take it at the same time each day to avoid forgetting to take the medicine. You can take aciclovir if you have liver disease, kidney disease, and other serious health problems.

The dosage is usually taken three times a day, in the morning and at the same time each day for seven days. You should start taking the medication at the same time each day.

The usual dose of aciclovir for treating herpes is one 5mg tablet to be taken two times daily for seven days. If you do not finish the full course of the medication, you can skip the medication and continue taking the pills.

What are the potential side effects of using aciclovir?

The most common side effects of using aciclovir include:

  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Stomach ache

These side effects are usually mild and may subside as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, you should not exceed the recommended dose or stop taking it suddenly.

Some people may experience allergic reactions, such as a skin rash, a cold sore, or a fever. If you have these symptoms, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.

If you notice any of these serious side effects, you should immediately call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment.

Product description

Product name:Aciclovir 400mg

Company name:

DIN:02243327

Status:Marketed

Status date:2012-02-16

Active ingredient(s)Strength
Aciclovir400mg
Other genericaciclovir

Resources

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For consumers
ResourceDescription

The Product Monograph is a scientific document that describes the properties, claims, indications and conditions of use of the product and contains any other information that may be required for optimal, safe and effective use.

The Product Monograph includes three sections:

  • Part I: Health Professional Information;
  • Part II: Scientific Information; and
  • Patient Medication Information

Side effects are troublesome symptoms or feelings that you may not expect that show up when you are taking a medicine.

All suspected side effects should be reported, especially those that are:

  • Unexpected, regardless of their severity, i.e., not consistent with product information or labelling; or
  • Serious, whether expected or not, i.e., that requires being admitted to the hospital, lengthened hospital stay, causes a birth defect, disability, is life-threatening or results in death;
  • Reactions to recently marketed health products (on the market for less than five years), regardless of their nature or severity.
For health care professionals

    Section C.01.020.1 of the Food and Drug Regulations and section 62 of the Medical Devices Regulations, require hospitals to report to Health Canada all serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and medical device incidents (MDIs) within 30 days of being documented within the hospital.

    This regulatory requirement only applies to hospitals.

    For researchers
      After Health Canada completes the regulatory review process for a product, the clinical information included in a submission is made publicly available for non-commercial purposes.
      All resources

      Zovirax Cold Sore Cream contains aciclovir which belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals. It is used for the treatment of cold sores in people who have previously had a cold sore on their face or lips.

      Zovirax Cold Sore Cream works by stopping the virus from multiplying and spreading. Once the virus has been killed, it can still multiply and spread in the body. Zovirax Cold Sore Cream will not cure cold sores or prevent them from coming into contact with other people. It will only help you get rid of the cold sore. If you are suffering from a cold sore, Zovirax Cold Sore Cream may be used to help get rid of the cold sore from your body.

      This medicine contains aciclovir which belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals.

      This medicine is available in a wide variety of ways.

      It is important to note that this medicine should not be used in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years. It should only be used to treat the condition of a cold sore, not to cure it.