Brand Name
Zovirax Oral
Common Name
acyclovir oral
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00634506 | ZOVIRAX 200MG TABLET |
| 00886157 | ZOVIRAX 200MG/5ML SUSP |
| 01911627 | ZOVIRAX 400 MG TABLET |
| 01911635 | ZOVIRAX 800MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Acyclovir belongs to the family of medications known as antivirals. Acyclovir
is used for the treatment and prevention of genital
herpes. It is also used for the acute treatment of herpes
zoster (shingles) and varicella
(chickenpox). All of these infections are caused by viruses.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the
ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this
with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to
your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
How should I use this medication?
Genital herpes: The usual recommended adult dose for genital herpes
is 200 mg every four hours, five times daily for 10 days. The dosage
varies for suppression of genital herpes recurrences, but usually starts
at 200 mg three times daily. You should start acyclovir as early
as possible following the onset of signs and symptoms.
Shingles: The recommended dose for shingles is 800 mg every
four hours, five times daily for 7 to 10 days. Treatment should be started
within 72 hours of onset of the rash or lesions.
Chickenpox: The recommended dose for chickenpox is based on body
weight. The usual dose is 20 mg per kilogram of body weight (not
to exceed 800 mg) four times daily for five days. Therapy should
be started within 24 hours of onset of the rash.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such
as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your
doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do
not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting
your doctor.
This medication should be taken regularly, exactly as prescribed by your
doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on
with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip
the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do
not double doses.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Suspension
Each 5 mL of off-white, banana-flavoured suspension contains acyclovir 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: banana flavour, cellulose, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, sorbitol, vanillin and water.
Tablets
Zovirax 200
Each blue, shield-shaped, bevelled-edge, compressed tablet, imprinted "ZOVIRAX" on one side and a triangle on the reverse contains acyclovir 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, indigotine, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone and sodium starch glycolate.
ZOVIRAX 400 Wellstat Pac
Each pink, shield-shaped, bevelled-edge, compressed tablet, imprinted with "ZOVIRAX 400" on one side and a triangle on the reverse, contains acyclovir 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, magnesium stearate, povidone, iron oxide and sodium starch glycolate.
Zovirax 800 Zostab Pac
Each blue, biconvex, elongated, scored, compressed tablet, imprinted with "ZOVIRAX 800" on one side, contains acyclovir 800 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, indigotine, povidone, magnesium stearate and sodium starch glycolate.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Anyone allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any
of the components of the formulation should not use this medication.
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