Zovirax 400

Composition of Zovirax 400

Zovirax 400 contains Acyclovir 400 mg (as tablets). It belongs to the Antiviral (nucleoside analogue; guanine analogue) class of medicines.

Uses of Zovirax 400

• Treatment of herpes simplex infections (genital herpes
• cold sores)
• mucocutaneous herpes in immunocompromised patients
• and treatment/suppression of recurrent herpes infections; also used for chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster) as prescribed.

Key benefits

• Reduces severity and duration of herpes outbreaks
• Helps faster healing of blisters/lesions
• Lowers frequency of recurrent episodes with suppressive therapy
• Reduces viral shedding when used as prescribed

How Zovirax 400 works

Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine that is activated preferentially in virus-infected cells and inhibits viral DNA polymerase. This blocks viral DNA replication, reducing viral multiplication and helping lesions heal faster.

How to take Zovirax 400

Tablet: take exactly as prescribed, usually 2–5 times daily depending on indication. Can be taken with or without food; take with a full glass of water and maintain good hydration. Start treatment as early as possible after symptom onset for best benefit.

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

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

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 400

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

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

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 400

Warnings and precautions

Use with caution in kidney disease/elderly—dose adjustment may be needed and risk of kidney toxicity increases with dehydration. Ensure adequate fluid intake. Stop and seek medical help if severe allergic reaction, unusual bruising/bleeding, confusion, tremors, or severe skin rash occurs. Not a cure for herpes and may not fully prevent transmission—follow safe sexual practices. Use only on medical advice in immunocompromised patients.

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, cimetidine, mycophenolate mofetil, other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, high-dose NSAIDs)

How to store Zovirax 400

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

Expert advice for Zovirax 400

Start as early as your doctor advises. Keep well hydrated through the course.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

GLAXO SMITHKLINE PHARMA

Therapeutic class:

Antiviral

Drug class:

Antiviral (nucleoside analogue; guanine analogue)