Zovirax cream

aciclovir

Zovirax cream (aciclovir) is used in the treatment of certain infections with herpes viruses. These include genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. Zovirax cream is used to treat initial episodes of genital herpes and certain herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes. Zovirax Cream is also used for herpes cold sores on the lips and face only.

What is Zovirax cream?

Zovirax cream is an antiviral medication. This medication helps the body fight the infection by preventing the virus from multiplying. Although Zovirax cream cannot prevent an outbreak, it can help cold sores to heal quicker when applied at the first signs of an outbreak.

Before taking Zovirax cream

Some medical conditions may interact with Zovirax Cream. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

How should I take Zovirax cream?

Treatment with Zovirax cream should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). Wash your hands before and after applying Zovirax cream. Wear a glove or a finger cot or use an applicator (e.g. cotton swab) when applying Zovirax cream to avoid spreading the virus to other body parts and to other people. Apply enough cream to cover the lesion(s) completely. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Avoid getting this medication in the eyes. Zovirax cream is usually applied every 3 hours, six times a day for seven days. Use Zovirax cream for the full amount of time prescribed, even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

If you miss dose, apply it as soon as you remember and apply further doses at your regular interval (e.g., every 3 hours) until you go to bed. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Zovirax cream side effects

No serious side effects are expected during treatment with Zovirax cream. If you suspect an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; rash; hives; itching; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face) seek emergency medical attention. Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.

Continue to use Zovirax cream and talk to your doctor if you experience itching, stinging, burning, or a rash. These side effects should resolve quickly. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Precautions

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with aciclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others. Aciclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Drug interactions

There may be other drugs that can affect aciclovir cream. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Preganacy

Zovirax cream is in pregnancy category C, which means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not use Zovirax cream without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Zovirax cream passes into breast milk. Do not use Zovirax cream without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of aciclovir cream applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Zovirax cream. If you have any other questions about Zovirax cream, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.