Introduction:
Zovirax is one of the most popularly used antiviral medicines. Its generic name is acyclovir and is sold under the brand name of Zovirax. This drug is especially helpful in reducing the growth and spread of the herpes virus and enables the body to combat the infection. Zovirax does not offer a cure to herpes but definitely it reduces the symptoms of the infection. The infections caused by herpes viruses, illness caused by herpes viruses such as chicken pox, genital herpes, shingles and cold sores are well treated by this antiviral drug. Zovirax is given different trade names such as Cyclovir, Herpex, Acivirax, and Zovir. It is the primarily prescribed drug for simplex virus infections. This drug was first successfully used in humans by Dr.Richard Whitley, a noted researcher in antiviral therapy.
Uses:
Zovirax is successfully used to treat VZV and HSV infections. It is also administered for genital herpes simplex. In patients suffering from chicken pox and whose immunity is weekend, Zovirax is a choice of drug. Zovirax is also prescribed for diseases like shingles, cod sores, ocular herpes, herpes simplex keratitis, herpes simplex blepharitis and Bell’s palsy.
Zovirax is available in the form of tablets, intravenous injection, eye ointment, and topical cream. Injections are used when highly concentrated aciclovir is needed. Tablets are available in 200mg, 400mg, 800mg and 1 gm. The eye ointment is prescribed only for herpes simplex keratitis. One should start the Zovirax treatment when one gets the out burst of first symptoms like blisters, burning and tingling. It is better to follow the entire course of time Zovirax as advised by the doctors or your physicians.
Side effects:
Though Zovirax is a wonderful drug it has certain adverse effects associated with it. General adverse drug reactions caused after taking Zovirax include nausea, diarrhea, severe headache and vomiting sensation. Patients taking high doses may suffer from hallucinations. Infrequent side effects caused by taking Zovirax include oedema, agitation, pain in abdominal cavity, loss of hair, rashes, weakness, dizziness, constipation , vertigo, agitation and confusion. There are certain adverse effects that are rarely seen in some patients and they include anorexia, hepatitis, coma, leucopenia, neutropenia, and toxic epidermal neucrolysis, seizures, crystalluria, Stevens – Johnson syndrome and anaphylaxis. Secondary effects include arthralgia and sore throat. Common adverse drug reactions are seen in less than 1% of patients. Infrequent and rare adverse effects of Zovirax are seen in 0.1 to 1% and less than 0.1% of patients respectively. Extra side effects are seen in 1% of patients and they include injection site reactions and encephalopathy. The injection site reaction may further cause irritation and pain in tissues as the injection formulation is extravasation and alkaline. Side effects vary from forms of Zovirax. Zovirax tropical cream causes dryness in skin and burning sensation. It also causes erythema and itch. Toxicity is another dangerous side effect.
The generic name of Zovirax is Acyclovir and it is widely used in herpes and shingles infections treatment. It is an antiviral medication but at the same time it only stops replication an not prevent the transmission of the virus to other people. Keep in mind this important information before start using Zovirax. Some special medical conditions do not permit taking the medication. These are pregnancy (achieved or planned), breast-feeding, taking any other prescribed on unprescribed medicine (dietary supplement, herbal medication), having any kind of food/medicines/other substances allergy. If you suffer from dehydration, kidney or liver disease or if your blood volume is low. If you take any kind of medications, you must tell your personal doctor about it. Especially if you take aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin), cyclosporine, amphotericin B, NSAIDS – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen), vancomycin, tacrolimus. These medicines can seriously damage your kidney if taken with Zovirax. You should take Zovirax (as well as any other medication) just the way your health provider tells you to. Usually the injection of Zovirax is made at a hospital, clinic or an doctor’s office. If you wany to use the medication at home, your personal doctor will teach you every step of the procedure. Never use Zovirax if the liquid is cloudy or contains any particles as well as if the vial is damaged. It is recommended to drink extra fluids while taking the medication,ask your doctor for more details. In order to achieve better results in treatment of herpes, start taking Zovirax as soon as possible and don’t quit taking it when you experience positive changes. You must take the whole cycle of treatment. If you miss your next injection of Zovirax, don’t take two doses at one and the same time, skip the missed one and keep to your regular dosage. It’s always important to keep the medication out of the places where kids or pets can reach it. Follow the rules of needles and syringes disposal.
