Zovirax drug uses

Zovirax is an antiviral direct acting drug, prescribed for the viral infections treatment in children aged two years and older, adolescents, adults and elderly patients. Zovirax is effective in the treatment of Herpes Zoster infections, including:

• herpes simplex
• varicella (chickenpox)
• first episode genital herpes
• acute attacks of shingles (herpes zoster)
• herpes zoster у пациентов с HIV disease
• unusually frequent episodes of genital herpes

In addition to the clinically significant antiviral effect, Zovirax drug provides an immunostimulating and wound healing effect, as well as reduces the symptoms and blocks further replication of viral infection.

Zovirax peculiarity lies in the fact that this antiviral drug affects only the virus-infected areas of mucous membranes and skin. Zovirax does not influence healthy cells, due to which it has low toxicity and is well tolerated by patients.

Zovirax dosage regimen should be adjusted, depending on the viral infection type, the body weight and the age of the patient. A dosage of one Zovirax 800 mg tablet, taken four to five times daily, is recommended for the treatment of varicella and herpes zoster infections in children aged 6 years and older, and in adults with severe immunodeficiency.

Treatment and prophylaxis of herpes simplex infection in adults and children aged 2 years of age and older requires taking one tablet of Zovirax 200mg, four to five times daily. The maximum single dose of Zovirax should not exceed 800 mg.

Missed dose

If the patient forgot to take a Zovirax dose, she or he should take this antiviral drug as soon as possible. If very little time is left till the next Zovirax dose, you should skip the missed dose to prevent an overdose. You should not take two Zovirax doses at once, even in severe viral infection symptoms.

More information

The patient, going through a prolonged viral infection treatment with Zovirax drug, should periodically stop the antiviral therapy at intervals of six to twelve months. Adequate hydration should be ensured for the elderly patients, taking high Zovirax doses. Food intake does not violate Zovirax absorption, so the patients may use this antiviral medication regardless of the meal time.

Storage

The antiviral drug Zovirax should be protected from moisture and light, and stored in the original package. Film-coated tablets should be stored at temperature not exceeding 25°C. Dispersible Zovirax tablets can be stored at temperature of up to 30°C.

Zovirax safety information

Warnings

Older patients and patients with renal impairment may require a reduction in the daily dose and/or intake frequency of Zovirax. Zovirax should not be taken concurrently with other nephrotoxic drugs for reducing the renal insufficiency risk. Long-term or repeated antiviral therapy in patients with weakened immune system may contribute to reduced sensitivity to the antiviral Zovirax effect.

Disclaimer

The information on the antiviral drug Zovirax is provided for reference purposes only. This information is not intended to replace the advice of an infectious disease doctor, specializing in the treatment of Herpes Zoster infections. The online pharmacy can not be held responsible for the manner and purpose, for which the visitors use the information about antiviral agent Zovirax.

Zovirax side effects

Zovirax adverse reactions are not severe and of short duration. The type, severity and frequency of adverse reactions vary, depending on Zovirax dose, infectious disease type and the antiviral therapy duration.

• Less than 3% of patients, using Zovirax for a period of 1-2 weeks, may have vomiting or nausea.
• In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, patients, going through Zovirax treatment for a year may have headaches, numbness anywhere in body, malaise, fatigue, skin rash.

All of these Zovirax side effects are reversible and disappear after the cessation of a short-term or a long-term treatment of herpes infections.