Zovirax 200 mg Tablet

Composition of Zovirax 200 mg Tablet

Zovirax 200 mg Tablet contains Acyclovir (200mg). It belongs to the Antiviral (nucleoside analogue; anti-herpesvirus) class of medicines.

Uses of Zovirax 200 mg Tablet

• Treatment of herpes simplex infections (genital herpes
• cold sores)
• treatment of varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles)
• prevention/suppression of recurrent herpes simplex infections (as prescribed)

Key benefits

• Helps treat genital herpes and cold sores
• Helps manage shingles and chickenpox
• Reduces viral replication and severity of symptoms
• May shorten duration and reduce recurrence when used as prescribed

How Zovirax 200 mg Tablet works

Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine active against herpes viruses. It is converted to an active form in infected cells and inhibits viral DNA polymerase, stopping viral DNA replication and limiting the spread of infection.

How to take Zovirax 200 mg Tablet

Tablet for oral use. Take exactly as prescribed; start as early as possible after symptoms begin. Can be taken with or without food; take with a full glass of water and maintain good hydration. Space doses evenly; do not skip doses; complete the full course.

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 Zovirax 200 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 Zovirax 200 mg Tablet

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

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• headache
• dizziness
• fatigue
• rash

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 Zovirax 200 mg Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Use with caution in kidney disease or dehydration; dose adjustment may be required. Maintain adequate fluid intake to reduce risk of kidney side effects. Seek medical help for allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty) or severe skin reactions. May cause dizziness—use caution while driving. Not a cure for herpes; avoid sexual contact during active genital herpes and use barrier protection to reduce transmission.

Do not take Zovirax if

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

Interactions with other medicines

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

How to store Zovirax 200 mg Tablet

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

Expert advice for Zovirax 200 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:

Antiviral (nucleoside analogue; anti-herpesvirus)

Chemical class:

Hypoxanthines