Generic Zovirax i.e. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug, used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lips, genitals, herpes, cold sores, zoster, shingles and chickenpox. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. 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 can use it, because of possible adverse effects. Zovirax does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain, itching and promotes healing by decreasing the symptoms of the infection.

Zovirax is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, shingles, and chicken pox.

Moreover, generic Acyclovir was approved by the World Health Organization.

However, before taking Acyclovir i.e. Zovirax medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient and read it carefully. Talk to your doctor about all the possible risks of taking Zovirax medication. However, Zovirax may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. Hence, for more information, consult your doctor and your medical pharmacist.

Follow the directions given by the doctor exactly for the usage of the Zovirax i.e. Acyclovir medication and also read the prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Remember: Use Acyclovir as soon as possible after the 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.

Moreover, 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.

Continue to take Acyclovir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Acyclovir without talking to your doctor.

If you notice any of the symptoms, which seem severe or persistent to you, please contact your doctor immediately. However, your doctor may need to monitor you carefully for side effects and alter the doses if necessary.

Acyclovir Cream side effects may include: skin rashes, hives, breathing difficulties, flaking, dry skin, cracked lips, burning or irritation in areas of application etc.

Acyclovir Oral side effects may include: tremors, weakness, skin irritation/rashes/hives, hallucinations, seizures, thirst etc.

Inform your doctor if you experience any of these side effects or some new side effects occur which appear too bothersome to you.

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to the formulation of this medication or any other medication in any other form and also inform your doctor about any other medication you may be taking in any other form, as they may affect the way your medicine works.

However, Acyclovir can interact with: Phenytoin, Probenecid, Aids/HIV medication, Fosphenytoin etc.

Moreover, Zovirax i.e. Acyclovir may also interact with some kind of foods, varied medications, herbal products, nutritional supplements, vitamins, other OTC medicines, some vaccinations etc. Acquire more information about the interactions of the Zovirax medication from your doctor and the medical pharmacists.

In case of overdose call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the suffering patient has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services at 911. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Do not allow any other person to use your medication without getting doctor’s prescription themselves and also avoid using this medicine for other health conditions on your own. Keep the medicine away from the children and pets.

Also inform your doctor, if you are pregnant or are breast feeding. If you conceive during the course, inform your doctor immediately. Do not share your medicines with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms, for it may harm them. Do not begin, increase, decrease, or stop using this medicine on your own. In short discuss your complete medical history with your doctor, before taking the medicine.

Remember, it is very important to keep regular appointments with your doctor to study the way your body is responding to the course. And if you are going to have a surgery, tell your health care professional that you are using Zovirax medication.

Carry with you at all times an ID card mentioning your name, the medicine you are taking, the dosage, the name of the person and your health care professional they should call in case of an emergency. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory and keep regular checks ups.

Also avoid alcohol and alcohol containing beverages whilst on a course with this medication.

And in case, if you wish to use the medicine in children, please contact your pediatrician for sure before its use.

If you missed the Zovirax i.e. Acyclovir medication dose, do take the medicine immediately provided that there is ample of time in between the next dose. However, if it is almost time for the next dose skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Never double your doses to cope up with the missed. And in case, if you miss your one or two consecutive doses consult to your doctor or physician for guidance and continue further.

Generic Zovirax i.e. Acyclovir medication is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lips, genitals, herpes, cold sores, zoster, shingles and chickenpox. Oral acyclovir decreases the frequency and severity of recurring sores.

However, it may also be used to treat some other medical conditions which may be determined by your doctor accordingly and consult a pediatrician for the use of this medication in children.

The generic Zovirax i.e. Acyclovir medication may be prescribed for other uses also and hence ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the Zovirax i.e. Acyclovir medication.

Store generic Zovirax i.e. Acyclovir, at room temperature in between 15-25°C in a cool and dry place. Keep the medicine in the container, it came in and always keep it tightly closed. Check Expiry date without fail. Keep all medicines away from women, newborns, children and pets. Do not freeze in any case. Also, keep it away from heat, dampness and direct light. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. When the medicine is not in use or outdated it should be discarded. Take help of your pharmacist in disposing this medicine properly. In any case, do not store the Zovirax medication in the bathroom.

Following precautions must be taken during consuming generic Zovirax i.e. Acyclovir:

Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had: kidney disease, lung disease, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, low or high blood pressure, asthma, heart attack, serious injury/infection, dehydration, seizures, neurological disorders or any other severe disease etc. Also inform, if you drink alcoholic beverages or are a tobacco smoker etc.

2. Also acknowledge your doctor if you need to undergo any kind of surgery, including dental surgery or need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents. So, inform your doctors immediately about it, so that the doctor can decide whether to continue taking Zovirax medication or stop it during the surgery.

3. Let the doctor also know, if you are in-taking or are planning to take any prescribed or non prescribed medicines, health supplements or any other OTC medications, vitamins etc.

4. Do not use the Zovirax i.e. Acyclovir medication, if you have any kind of allergy to it or to any ingredients of it and tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and get treated.

5. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding before taking Zovirax medication. Hence also, inform your doctor immediately when you plan to conceive, or become pregnant during the course. This is necessary as, the Acyclovir medication may harm the fetus.

6. Do not share the drug with others unless they are prescribed by the doctor themselves. And if your symptoms of side effects do not improve in few weeks or if they become worse and bothersome, check these conditions immediately with your doctor.

7. Please, use the Zovirax medicine in the prescribed amount and do not overdose it or use it for the longer period of time. Do not discontinue on your own and consult your doctor before doing so to avoid further problems.

8. Regularly, keep your appointments with your doctor and keep an eye on the progress or side effects that has been noticed during the complete course.

9. Also, avoid smoking and consuming alcohol and alcohol containing beverages during the complete course to achieve good results.

10. For more information, contact your doctor and your pharmacists and also discuss the risks and benefits of the generic Zovirax.

11. Genital herpes, an STD, can still be passed on to your partner, acyclovir does not stop your partner from being infected. Avoid sexual treatment whilst being treated for the same.

12. Drink lots of fluids and if your symptoms do not improve in a weeks time, consult your prescriber.