Zovirax (or acyclovir for its generic counterpart) is an antiviral medication which helps to slow down the increase and spread of the herpes virus to allow the body to be able to ward off the infection. Zovirax is not considered to be a cure for herpes but rather a way to decrease the symptoms. It is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Some illnesses caused by herpes are the simple cold sore, chickenpox, genital herpes and shingles.
Starting your treatment with Zovirax as soon as possible immediately after the very first appearance of symptoms (blisters, burning, tingling etc) is very important. You must also to remember to take Zovirax for the entire length of time your doctor prescribed whether or not your symptoms improve prior to finishing your prescription. This also applies to any medications your doctor may prescribe for you; always finish the entire prescription even if you think you are fine and don’t need to.
One important thing to remember is that herpes is highly contagious even while you are taking Zovirax. Be diligent about not letting your areas of infection come into contact with other people. Be sure not to touch an infected area and then touch your eyes afterwards. Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly is extremely important in order to avoid passing your infection onto other people.
Starting your treatment with Zovirax as soon as possible immediately after the very first appearance of symptoms (blisters, burning, tingling etc) is very important. You must also to remember to take Zovirax for the entire length of time your doctor prescribed whether or not your symptoms improve prior to finishing your prescription. This also applies to any medications your doctor may prescribe for you; always finish the entire prescription even if you think you are fine and don’t need to.
One important thing to remember is that herpes is highly contagious even while you are taking Zovirax. Be diligent about not letting your areas of infection come into contact with other people. Be sure not to touch an infected area and then touch your eyes afterwards. Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly is extremely important in order to avoid passing your infection onto other people.
Ingredients
Acyclovir
Used to decrease pain and speed the healing of sores or blisters in people who have varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles; a rash that can occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past), and first-time or repeat outbreaks of genital herpes. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure genital herpes and may not stop the spread of genital herpes to other people.
Side Effects
Side effects from Zovirax can include headaches, diarrhea, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and unusual weakness. If any of these occur and are troublesome be sure to contact your doctor. If you have a serious allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of your lips, throat or tongue-get emergency help stat (immediately.)
As always if you are or think you may be pregnant be sure to let your doctor know this as he or she may conclude this may not be the best course of treatment. Herpes can be passed from the mother to her infant during childbirth, can pass into breast milk and may harm to a nursing infant.
As always if you are or think you may be pregnant be sure to let your doctor know this as he or she may conclude this may not be the best course of treatment. Herpes can be passed from the mother to her infant during childbirth, can pass into breast milk and may harm to a nursing infant.
Benefits
Zovirax’s main benefit is that it significantly reduces the amount of time of the infection lasting and even the duration of the pain associated with it. The main con is that the patient needs to take this medication typically for five times each day. Unless you are really good with remembering to stop and administer your medication (whether orally or by cream) that often, you stand the chance of forgetting a dose or more.
Before taking Zovirax or any medication, always be sure to discuss what medications you are currently taking and any you have had allergic reactions from. Some medications do not mix well together so be sure to keep a thorough log of what all you have been and still are taking.
Before taking Zovirax or any medication, always be sure to discuss what medications you are currently taking and any you have had allergic reactions from. Some medications do not mix well together so be sure to keep a thorough log of what all you have been and still are taking.