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Zovirax contains the active ingredient acyclovir in the form of a synthetic nucleoside analogue. It is a topical ointment with a concentration of 5%, intended for application to the skin. This formulation includes a polyethylene glycol base, and each gram of the ointment contains 50 mg of acyclovir.
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take this medication with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better. There may be unused or extra doses in the bottle after you finish the full course of treatment. Talk to your care team if you have questions about your dose. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Confusion -Hallucinations -Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet -Seizures Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Diarrhea -Headache -Nausea -Upset stomach -Vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Kidney disease -An unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Cidofovir This medication may also interact with the following: -Adefovir -Amphotericin B -Certain antibiotics like amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, vancomycin -Cimetidine -Cisplatin -Colistin -Cyclosporine -Foscarnet -Lithium -Methotrexate -Probenecid -Tacrolimus
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. This medication works best when started very early in the course of an infection. Begin treatment at the first signs of infection. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water or fluids every day while you are taking this medication. This will help prevent side effects. This medication manages the symptoms of the virus. It is possible to spread the virus to others. Avoid contact with others as directed by your care team. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of infection.
Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.
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Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.
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