Zimivir 1000 mg Tablet

Composition of Zimivir 1000 mg Tablet

Zimivir 1000 mg Tablet contains Valacyclovir (1000mg). It belongs to the Nucleoside analogue antiviral (anti-herpesvirus) class of medicines.

Uses of Zimivir 1000 mg Tablet

Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles); treatment and suppression of recurrent genital herpes (HSV-2); treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores); treatment of mucocutaneous herpes simplex infections including in immunocompromised patients (as prescribed).

Key benefits

• Helps treat shingles symptoms and speeds healing
• Reduces severity and duration of cold sores and genital herpes episodes
• Decreases viral shedding and risk of recurrence with suppressive therapy
• Effective oral therapy with good bioavailability compared to acyclovir

How Zimivir 1000 mg Tablet works

Valaciclovir is a prodrug that converts to acyclovir in the body. Acyclovir is activated in virus-infected cells and inhibits viral DNA polymerase, stopping viral DNA replication and limiting spread of HSV/VZV.

How to take Zimivir 1000 mg Tablet

Tablet taken by mouth with water; may be taken with or without food. Start as early as possible after symptom onset (best within 24–48 hours). Dose and duration depend on indication and kidney function—take exactly as prescribed; maintain good hydration.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you miss a dose of Zimivir 1000 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause confusion, kidney injury and fits. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Zimivir 1000 mg Tablet

Most side effects of Zimivir are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Headache
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• dizziness
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Zimivir 1000 mg Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Prescription antiviral. Dose adjustment is needed in renal impairment and in elderly patients; maintain adequate hydration to reduce kidney-related side effects. Seek urgent care for signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty). Rare but serious: kidney injury, confusion/hallucinations or other neurotoxicity (more likely with high doses/renal disease), and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/haemolytic uraemic syndrome in severely immunocompromised patients. Not a cure for herpes; can still transmit—avoid sexual contact during outbreaks and use barrier protection.

Do not take Zimivir if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack.

Interactions with other medicines

Probenecid,cimetidine (may increase acyclovir levels),other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, amphotericin B, high-dose NSAIDs) increase kidney risk,mycophenolate mofetil (may increase acyclovir exposure)

How to store Zimivir 1000 mg Tablet

Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from moisture and light. Keep in original blister pack and out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Zimivir 1000 mg Tablet

Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine. This helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage. If you have genital herpes, use barrier methods (condoms) for contraception and avoid sexual contact while the sores are present. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

GLAXO SMITHKLINE PHARMA

Therapeutic class:

Antiviral

Drug class:

Nucleoside analogue antiviral (anti-herpesvirus)

Chemical class:

Alpha amino acid derivative