Zovirax 800 mg Tablet

Composition of Zovirax 800 mg Tablet

Zovirax 800 mg Tablet contains Acyclovir (800mg). It belongs to the Antiherpes antiviral (nucleoside analogue) class of medicines.

Uses of Zovirax 800 mg Tablet

• Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles)
• treatment of herpes simplex infections (including genital herpes) including recurrent episodes and suppression
• treatment/prevention of varicella (chickenpox) in certain patients as prescribed
• prophylaxis of herpes infections in immunocompromised patients (as directed by doctor).

Key benefits

• Reduces severity and duration of shingles
• Helps heal herpes lesions faster
• Lowers pain and risk of complications when started early
• Reduces frequency of recurrent herpes when used as suppression
• Helps prevent herpes infections in immunocompromised patients (doctor supervised)

How Zovirax 800 mg Tablet works

Acyclovir is an antiviral that is converted to its active form inside virus-infected cells. It inhibits viral DNA polymerase and terminates viral DNA chain elongation, thereby preventing replication of herpes viruses and reducing severity and duration of symptoms.

How to take Zovirax 800 mg Tablet

Tablet for oral use. Take exactly as prescribed; start treatment as early as possible after symptom onset. Swallow with water; can be taken with or without food. Maintain good hydration during therapy. Dose and duration depend on indication (e.g., shingles/genital herpes) and kidney function.

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 800 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 800 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
• itching

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 800 mg Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Use with caution in kidney disease/elderly; dose adjustment may be required to reduce risk of kidney and nervous system side effects. Ensure adequate fluid intake. Seek medical help for signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty). May cause dizziness—avoid driving if affected. Genital herpes can still be transmitted; use safe sex measures. In immunocompromised patients, use only under specialist advice.

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 (may increase acyclovir levels), cimetidine (may increase levels), other nephrotoxic medicines such as aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, high-dose NSAIDs (increased risk of kidney toxicity), mycophenolate mofetil (increased exposure of acyclovir metabolites).

How to store Zovirax 800 mg Tablet

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

Expert advice for Zovirax 800 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:

Antiherpes antiviral (nucleoside analogue)

Chemical class:

Hypoxanthines