Zovirax 400 Tablet (Acyclovir 400mg)

INTRODUCTION

ZOVIRAX 400MG contains Acyclovir which belongs to the group of medicines called antiviral agents. It is indicated for the treatment and prevention of recurrence of chickenpox, shingles, cold sores, genital herpes and other herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membrane in both immunocompetent (normal) as well as in immunocompromised patients. It can also be used prophylactically against herpes simplex and herpes zoster infections in immunocompromised patients.

Acyclovir works by killing or stopping the growth and multiplication of virus in human cells. ZOVIRAX 400MG can be taken with or without food. It is important to drink plenty of water while taking this medicine, to avoid dehydration. The most common side effects of taking this medicine are headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea or tiredness. Contact your doctor if any of these symptoms bothers you.

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any kidney problems. This medicine should be used with caution in children, elderly patients and in patients with poor immune system. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or breast-feeding, consult your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. This medicine is strictly not recommended for use in newborn infants and in severely immunocompromised children.

USES OF ZOVIRAX 400MG

Treats and prevents chickenpox, shingles, cold sores, genital herpes and other herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membrane in both immunocompetent (normal) as well as immunocompromised patients

HOW ZOVIRAX 400MG WORKS

Acyclovir works by killing or stopping the growth and multiplication of virus in human cells. It gets incorporated into the viral DNA and competitively inhibits the viral DNA polymerase enzyme which stops lengthening of viral DNA strand, prevents further multiplication of new viral cells and clears up the infection.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take this medicine as directed by your physician. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the medicine as whole with a sip of water. If cannot be swallowed, it may be dispersed in a glass of water and stirred well before drinking. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and intensity of the infection. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ZOVIRAX 400MG

SERIOUS
Signs of allergic reaction (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, difficulty in breathing and collapse)
COMMON
Headache
Feeling dizzy or tired
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea, stomach pain
Photosensitivity (skin reaction after exposure to light)
Itching
Unexplained fever
Feeling faint, especially when standing up

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

Skin rash:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If it does not get better, speak to a doctor.

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol.

Feeling dizzy:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid traveling, driving or operating any tools or machines while you are feeling dizzy. If the symptom still persists, contact your doctor for advice.

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WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
ZOVIRAX 400MG should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking.

BREASTFEEDING
ZOVIRAX 400MG should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines, because it may cause drowsiness.

ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

KIDNEY
ZOVIRAX 400MG should be taken with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

OTHERS

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any nervous system abnormalities or a poor immune system.
This medicine should be taken with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years above) and in children (under 18 years). Suitable dose adjustments and proper care are required in such patients.
This medicine is strictly not recommended for use in newborn infants and in severely immunocompromised children. Discuss the risks with your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Probenecid (a medicine used to treat gout)
Cimetidine (a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers)
Mycophenolate mofetil (used to prevent graft rejection)