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What is Zovirax? |
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Drug Uses
Zovirax reduces the signs of infection caused by the various strains of the herpes virus. Though it is essentially an antiviral medication, it cannot cure herpes; but it does relieve the pain and discomfort which is associated with the conditions resulting from contraction of herpes, such as shingles (herpes zoster), infections on the skin, lips, and the genital areas. The oral form of the medication can reduce the intensity and frequency of recurring cold sores, although this is administered only to patients with severe infections because of the possibility for severe side effects.
How to Take Zovirax
The topical form of Zovirax should be administered as soon as the preliminary symptoms of an infection are observed (such as tingling, skin blisters, and burning). Keep your hands sanitized by washing them prior to and after making the application. It is highly recommended that you wear a glove during the application; a finger cot or cotton swab is equally effective in administering the medication, while preventing the contamination of uninfected areas. Apply enough ointment to fully cover up the lesion; do this every three hours for a period of seven days.
Drug Precautions
Make sure that you use the medication for the entire period of treatment, even though you observe that the symptoms associated with the infection is beginning to go away. The herpes virus is highly contagious, and you can easily infect other people with mere contact between a cold lesion and another person’s uninfected skin. Limit your contact with other people during treatment, and avoid contaminating uninfected areas on your body by touching them after applying the medication to lesions.
Drug Interactions
Before you use Zovirax, make sure that your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid. Your doctor may not allow you to take Zovirax, your intake doses may be adjusted accordingly to your health condition, or you may have to go routine examinations during the course of the treatment. Your prescription may also involve other medicines which can contraindicate with Zovirax; use them or any other drug under medical supervision. This applies to all herbal products and dietary supplements, as well as to prescription and OTC medicines.
Side Effects
If you experience these conditions after taking Zovirax, seek medical help immediately: an allergic reaction which involves any or all of the following – swollenness on facial areas, difficulty in breathing, and hives; a persisting lower back pain; a difficulty in starting and maintaining urination; a heightened tendency to bruise or bleed; and an unexpected or unusual feebleness.
Missed Dose
Make up for a missed application at once, and adjust the succeeding doses accordingly (up to your bedtime).
Overdose
An excessive application of the medication will not likely result in an overdose; but if you believe that you have used it in excess, or if you have ingested it, contact the nearest poison management facility or emergency room within your area immediately.
Storage
Store Zovirax at temperatures beneath 25 degrees Celsius, but do not refrigerate it.
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