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Precautions while Using this Medicine
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
The areas affected by herpes, chickenpox, or shingles should be kept as clean and dry as po
ssible. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the sores (blisters).
It is important to remember that Zovirax will not keep you from spreading herpes to others.
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How should this medicine be used?
Your medication should not be shared with others, and the prescribed dose should not be exceeded. You can take Zovirax with or without food.
Zovirax ointment should not be used in or near th
e eyes. To reduce the risk of spreading the infection, use a rubber glove to apply the ointment.
Zovirax cream should not be used in or near the eyes, or inside the nose or mouth. The medica
tion can, however, be applied on the outside of the lips. Apply the cream with your fingers to clean, dry skin. Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying Zovirax cream, and avoid bathing or
swimming afterward to prevent it from washing off. Do not cover the cold sore with a bandage or make-up unless your doctor approves.
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Drug Interactions
If Zovirax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zovirax with the fo
llowing:
- Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
- Interferon (Roferon-A)
- Probenecid (Benemid)
- Zidovudine (Retrovir)
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Before Using This Medicine
Pregnancy¡XTopical Zovirax has not been studied in pregnant women. However, this medicine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies using mice, rats, or rabbits, ex
ept when given in very high doses in a study using rats.
Breast-feeding¡XIt is not known whether topical Zovirax passes into the breast milk. However, Zovirax ointment has not been reported t
cause problems in nursing babies, even though small amounts of topical Zovirax are absorbed through the mother's skin and mucous membranes. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amou
nts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding.
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Possible Side Effect
Parenteral:
1. Renal toxicity; precipitation of Zovirax crystals can occur in renal tubules if the maximum solubility of free Zovirax (2.5mg/ml at 37?C in water) is exceeded or if the drug is give
n by bolus injection. Serum creatinine and BUN rise and creatinine clearance decreases.
2. Encephalopathic changes: Approximately 1% of patients receiving IV Zovirax manifested encephalopathic cha
nges characterized by lethargy, obtundation, tremors, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, seizures or coma.
3. Other: transient elevation of serum creatinine; rash or hives; diaphoresis; hematur
ia; hypotension; headache and nausea; thrombocytosis.
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Why is this medication prescribed?
This medication is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, mouth, mucous membranes, genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), and chickenpox in some individuals. This medication does not cure her
pes, but relieves the pain and may make the infection clear faster.
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