Zovirax
Zovirax is an antiviral medicine that stops the growth of certain viruses in your body.
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will tell you the exact dose. A common adult dose for herpes simplex is 200 mg (e.g., 5 ml of 40mg/ml oral suspension or 2.5 ml of 80mg/ml oral suspension).
Method
Take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Doses are usually taken 5 times a day while awake, about every 4 hours, or 4 times a day every 6 hours. Do not dilute the oral suspension. Use the measuring device provided in the package.
The maximum dose for adults can be up to 4000 mg per day for conditions like chickenpox or shingles, but your doctor will always decide the right maximum dose for you.
Possible Side Effects
- •Headache, dizziness
- •Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
- •Itching, skin rashes (including sensitivity to light)
- •Tiredness, fever
- •Hives, significant hair loss (hair loss can also be caused by illness)
- •Shortness of breath
- •Temporary increase in liver values (bilirubin and liver enzymes)
- •Sudden swelling of the skin, mucous membranes, or internal organs (angioedema)
- •Increased blood urea and creatinine levels
- •Decreased red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
- •Agitation, confusion, tremor, muscle coordination problems, speech problems, hallucinations, psychotic symptoms, seizures, drowsiness, brain disease, coma (These usually disappear on their own and are most common in patients with kidney problems or other risk factors.)
- •Liver inflammation, jaundice
- •Acute kidney damage, kidney pain
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir, or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- If you have kidney problems, drink plenty of fluids. This is very important for older patients.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
- This medicine contains sorbitol. If you or your child have an intolerance to some sugars or a rare hereditary fructose intolerance, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Sorbitol can cause stomach problems and have a mild laxative effect.
- The 40 mg/ml suspension contains propylene glycol. If your child is under 4 weeks old, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine, especially if they are taking other medicines with propylene glycol or alcohol.
Show 1 more warnings
- The 80 mg/ml suspension contains benzyl alcohol. Do not give to newborns (up to 4 weeks old) without a doctor's advice. Do not use for more than one week in children under 3 years old unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver or kidney disease, ask your doctor or pharmacist, as large amounts of benzyl alcohol can build up in the body and cause problems.
Use in Elderly Patients
Suitable for older adults. Reduce the dose and/or increase the dosing interval in severe renal impairment. (updated 4.12.2023)