Zovirax (Generic Acyclovir)

Zovirax (Generic Acyclovir) (Acyclovir)

Zovirax

Acyclovir tablet

What is it used for?

ACYCLOVIR is an antiviral. It is used for the treatment of infections caused by a virus, including chicken pox, herpes, and shingles. It can also be used in order to prevent herpes outbreaks, although it can not completely cure herpes infections.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• kidney disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are feeling better. Doses should never be skipped; neither should you stop the treatment course prematurely.

Consult with your pediatrician regarding the possibility of use of this medicine by children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

• probenecid

This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you are using. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Let your doctor or health care professional know if there is no improvement to your symptoms. This drug works best when the treatment is started early in the course of an infection. The treatment should always be started at the first signs of infection in order for it to be effective.

You should drink from 6 to 8 glasses of water and other liquids every day during the treatment course with this medicine. This will help to prevent the side effects.

It is still possible for you to transmit chickenpox, shingles, or herpes to another person even during the treatment course. That is why you should avoid contact with others as directed by your doctor. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. Consult with your doctor about the advise on stopping the infection spread.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
• chest pains
• confusion, hallucinations, tremor
• darkened urine
• increased sensitivity to the sun
• redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
• seizures
• trouble passing urine or changes in its amount
• unusual bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin
• unusual weakness or feeling tired
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• diarrhea
• fever
• headaches
• nausea, vomiting
• upset stomach

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.