Zimivir 500 Tablet (Valacyclovir 500mg)

Description

Zimivir 500 Tablet is an antiviral medicine. It is used in the treatment of infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes (a sexually transmitted infection), cold sores (small painful blisters around the mouth or other areas of the face), and shingles (viral infection that causes painful rashes or blisters on the skin).

Zimivir 500 Tablet works by slowing the growth of viruses. However, this medicine does not cure the infections but helps to reduce the symptoms (such as pain or itching) and decrease the severity of the condition. It also does not prevent you from spreading the viruses to others.

Zimivir 500 Tablet can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, etc. These side effects may subside by themselves. However, consult your doctor if they bother you for a long time or become severe. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it.

Zimivir 500 Tablet is available on prescription as a tablet form. Take it with or without food in the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Take this medicine at the same time every day to maintain a constant level in your blood. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. Complete the treatment even if you feel better after taking a few doses. Avoid sudden discontinuation of this medicine as it may lead to a relapse of the infection.

Zimivir 500 Tablet may not be suitable for everyone. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems or any other health conditions. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.

Substitutes

List of substitutes for Zimivir 500 Tablet
Valamac 500 Tablet
Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Valcivir-500 Tablet
Cipla Ltd.
Valtoval 500 Tablet
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Zimivir 500 Tablet
Tiredness
Irritability
Trouble sleeping
Chest pain
Cough
Fever
Headache
Diarrhoea
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness

Uses of Zimivir 500 Tablet

What is it prescribed for?
Cold sores
Cold sores or herpes simplex labialis is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is characterised by tiny, red, and painful blisters around your mouth or other areas of the face. Zimivir 500 Tablet is used to treat this condition in adults and adolescents above 12 years of age.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes virus. It is characterised by painful blisters (fluid-filled bumps) in the genitals and surrounding areas. Zimivir 500 Tablet is used to treat this infection in adults by inhibiting the multiplication of the virus and preventing its outbreak. It may also be used to prevent recurrent episodes of genital herpes in people having HIV infection.
Shingles
Shingles are caused by the herpes zoster virus and characterised by a painful rash with shooting pain, that can occur anywhere in your body. Zimivir 500 Tablet is used in the treatment of shingles in adults.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus characterised by painful blisters (fluid-filled bumps) all over the body that can burst and ooze out. Zimivir 500 Tablet is used for the treatment of chickenpox in children 2 to <18 years of age.

Related Product

When not to use?

Allergy
Avoid taking Zimivir 500 Tablet if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.

Warnings

Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Zimivir 500 Tablet may be used during pregnancy upon your doctor’s recommendation. However, it is always better to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Zimivir 500 Tablet may be used while breastfeeding upon your doctor’s recommendation. However, it is always better to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Use in elderly
Zimivir 500 Tablet should be used in the elderly (age 65 years and above) with extreme caution due to the increased risk of kidney problems and other side effects.
Driving or operating Machines
Avoid driving vehicles or operating heavy machines if you feel dizzy after taking Zimivir 500 Tablet.
Blood disorders
Zimivir 500 Tablet should be used with caution if you have had a bone marrow transplant or kidney transplant, or have advanced HIV infection. In such cases, this medicine may increase the risk of blood disorders, which can be life-threatening.

Dosage

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose of Zimivir 500 Tablet as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume at the scheduled time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose of Zimivir 500 Tablet. If you suspect an overdose of this medicine, consult your doctor for further guidance.

Interactions

General Instructions
Take Zimivir 500 Tablet with or without food, as advised by your doctor. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet in your mouth. Swallow as a whole with a sufficient amount of water.

Avoid taking more or less than the recommended dose. Take this medicine for the recommended duration for better results.

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, as it may increase the risk of kidney damage if you are dehydrated.

Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects that persist or worsen.