Zovirax 400mg: Uses, Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects and Safety Guide

Zovirax 400mg contains acyclovir, an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. It may be prescribed for conditions such as genital herpes, herpes simplex infections, shingles and chickenpox. Acyclovir works by slowing the growth of the virus. This can help your body fight the infection and may reduce the length or severity of your symptoms.

Zovirax 400mg is what?

Zovirax 400mg is an oral antiviral containing 400mg of the active ingredient acyclovir. It is one of a group of medicines called antivirals. It does not treat bacterial infections like antibiotics do. Instead, it attacks viruses and helps control their reproduction.

Acyclovir is used by doctors to treat herpes simplex infections and some infections caused by the varicella-zoster virus. So the particular reason for treatment depends on the patient’s condition and medical history.

What Is Zovirax 400mg Used For?

Zovirax 400mg is used to treat a variety of viral infections.

Herpes Genitalis

Acyclovir can be used to treat the first outbreak of genital herpes and may be used to manage recurrent outbreaks. If you have frequent recurrences, doctors may prescribe suppressive treatment.

Herpes Simplex and Cold Sores

Acyclovir can treat herpes simplex infections, like cold sores. It can be important to begin treatment early, since the antiviral therapy is most effective when started early in the course of an outbreak.

Shingles (herpes zoster)

Acyclovir is also indicated for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), which is due to reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The timing of treatment and patient considerations can affect the treatment approach, so treatment should be given as directed by a healthcare professional.

Chickenpox.

Acyclovir can be used for chickenpox in appropriate patients as well. But children and adults may need different dosing. So patients should follow the prescribed regimen, rather than pick a dose themselves.

How Zovirax 400mg Works?

Once you take acyclovir, the infected cells convert the medicine into an active form. Then it prevents the formation of viral DNA. That makes it harder for the virus to copy itself.

Thus Zovirax does not get rid of the herpes virus from the body permanently. Rather, it helps to control viral activity during treatment.

Zovirax 400mg Dosing

The correct dose depends on the infection being treated, the patient’s age, kidney function, immune status and other factors.

For example, the official acyclovir prescribing information mentions 400mg twice daily as a regimen for chronic suppressive therapy of recurrent genital herpes. Other herpes infections need different doses and schedules of treatment.

There is a lot of variation in dosing so don’t self-select a dose of the 400mg strength. Your doctor or pharmacist will know the best schedule.

In patients with renal impairment, dose adjustment may be required. Adequate hydration during treatment is important, too.

How to Use Zovirax 400 mg

Use Zovirax exactly as directed. You can usually take acyclovir tablets either with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids unless your health care professional tells you to limit your fluids.

Take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, use the instructions that came with your prescription or call your chemist for advice. Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose, unless told to do so by a healthcare professional.

Benefits of Zovirax 400mg

Zovirax 400mg can, when used appropriately:

• Helps to control Herpes virus infections
• Inhibit viral replication.
• Help control genital herpes outbreaks.
• Prevention of recurrent genital herpes.
• Treat chickenpox and shingles in suitable patients.
• Treat herpes simplex infections such as cold sores.

Possible side effects.

Acyclovir, like all medicines, can cause side effects. Common side effects reported are headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, fatigue and skin reactions.

But serious reactions can occur rarely. Kidney problems have been reported, especially in patients with risk factors. There have also been reports of serious skin reactions. Seek emergency medical care if you have a rash that is rapidly getting worse or is painful, if you have blistering, peeling of the skin, or sores in the mouth or other mucous membranes.

Important Safety Information

Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or take medicines that might affect your kidneys. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely.

Do not take acyclovir if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any ingredient in the medicine.

Also, before you begin treatment, tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

FAQs

Is Zovirax 400mg an antibiotic?

None. What is Zovirax? Zovirax contains the antiviral medicine acyclovir. It works on some viruses, but not on bacteria.

Is Zovirax 400mg a cure for herpes?

None. Acyclovir controls the activity of the herpes virus, but will not rid the virus from the body.

**Zovirax 400mg Over The Counter**

You should only use Zovirax under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The exact dose depends on the infection, and on personal health factors.

Should I drink water with acyclovir?

Adequate hydration is recommended especially as kidney problems may occur with acyclovir treatment.

Conclusion:

Zovirax 400mg is an antiviral drug. It contains acyclovir. It may be useful in managing several herpes-virus infections such as genital herpes, herpes simplex infections, shingles and chicken pox. The right dose and duration of treatment, however, depend on the condition and the individual patient. Therefore you should only use Zovirax as prescribed by a healthcare professional and follow the instructions given to you precisely.