Zovirax, also known as Acyclovir, is a medication that fights viruses by slowing down the growth and the subsequent spread of herpes viruses through the human body.
Note that Zovirax is used to fight the symptoms of herpes, but is not a cure for the disease. It can treat variations of the disease like genital herpes, cold sores and even chicken pox.
Important data
If you see symptoms of the herpes virus appear in your body, you should start treatment with Zovirax as soon as you can. Symptoms include blisters and a tingling or burning sensation.
Herpes is a very transmissible disease. Even when you are receiving treatment for the disease, you are liable to pass it on to other people.
Never let infected parts of your body come into contact with other people. If you have rubbed your eyes, make sure you wash your hands well before touching anyone.
Zovirax does not usually have any effect on unborn children. However, it is always better to tell your doctor if you are, or will become pregnant during your medication.
Remember that herpes can be transmitted to your baby during childbirth. If you have a strain of genital herpes, you need to ensure that there are no lesions on your genitalia before labor.
Zovirax has the capability to harm nursing children. If you have a baby and are nursing them, make sure you tell your doctor first.
If you have lesions from herpes, make sure they are clean and kept bone dry. Try wearing loose clothes to avoid friction from aggravating the condition.
Zovirax is known to damage kidneys in some patients, a condition made more possible when Zovirax is taken with other drugs like antibiotics, antivirals, bowel medicines, and painkillers, Aspirin, Tylenol and Advil.
Dosage
Zovirax should be dosed exactly as the doctor has prescribed to you. Never take this drug in larger doses than has been advised by your doctor.
Make sure that you start your treatment using Zovirax as soon as you know that you have the disease. This means that you should the second you notice symptoms.
If you are taking the liquid form of the drug, shake well before pouring a dose out. If you have a dose syringe, spoon or cup, use it. If not, buy one from your pharmacy.
Since your kidneys will be at risk when taking Zovirax, make sure that you drink as much water as possible during your treatment course.
Always take the drug for the recommended duration. Even if your symptoms recede after a while, the infection isn’t over.
Missed doses and overdose
If you happen to miss one of your doses, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, ignore the one you missed.
Never take extra doses of the drug to try and make up for the missed one. You will end up overdosing. If you overdose call the poison hotline or EMS in your area.
Overdose symptoms are convulsions, blackouts and agitation.
Side effects
Common side effects may include:
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Feeling “under the weather”
More severe side effects include:
Purple spots on your skin
Easy bruising
No urination, painful passing of urine, swelling in the extremities
Exhaustion
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects.
Contraindications
There are some drugs you must not take with Zovirax unless your doctor has been informed. If you are allergic or show signs of allergies (swelling, trouble breathing, hives) stop immediately.
Do not use Zovirax if you have a weakened immune system, kidney diseases or allergies to Valtrex (or any medicine containing acyclovir).
The post Zovirax (Acyclovir) appeared first on Canadian Pharmacy Online 365/7.