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Zovirax Description
Zovirax is a synthetic nucleoside analogue used against herpesviruses and it is brand name for acyclovir. There is 50 mg of acyclovir in 5% of Zovirax cream. It is used against herpes simple virus types 1 and varicelle-zoster virus. Acyclovir is converted into acyclovir monophosphate by the viral enzyme which is furhter converted into diphosphate and other cellular enzymes. It can stop the replication of herpes viral DNA. The acyclovir is more more efficient as compared to VZV.
Indications and Usage for Zovirax
Zovirax Cream is used for the treatment of the herpes labilis or cold sores. It can be used by adults and adolescents.
Contraindications
The patients have been contraindicted by the Zovirax Cream with known hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir and other components.
Precautions
The Zovirax Cream should never be used in eye, inside the mouth and nose as it is only for cutaneous use and it should be used on herpes labialis on face and lips. The use of Zovirax for human mucous membrane is not remcommended. This cream is good for irritation and sensitization.
There have been no internactions ientified from topical administration of other drugs with Zovirax Cream. The adequate and well controlled studies of this medications is not available for pregnant women. This medication can be used in pregnancy only when benefits are justified.
Adverse Reactions
Dry lips, dryness of skin, burning skin, desquamation, cracked lips, flakiness, pruritus and stinging of skin are some of the side effects of the Zvirax cream. There can also be some signs and symptoms of the inflammation in some patients with this medication.
Overdosage
The overdosage of the Zovirax cream is unlikely as there is minimal systemic exposure.
Zovirax Dosage and Administration
The patients should use Zovirax Cream 5 times a day for 4 days. If the pateints see the signs or symptoms they should use it. The dosage is same for the adults as well as for the adolescents 12 years of age.
How is Zovirax Supplied
There is 50 mg acyclovir in an aqueous cream base in each gram of Zovirax Cream 5%. This medication should be placed below 25°C and it is supplied as 2-g tubes (NDC 64455-994-42) and 5-g tubes (NDC 64455-994-45).
PATIENT INFORMATION ABOUT Zovirax® (ACYCLOVIR) CREAM 5%
This medication should be used by the patients for cold sores and for external use. This Cream is applied to the skin to treat cold sores on face or lips. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to the Zovirax. The pregnant women should tell their doctor before using it. This medication might not be beneficial for the children younger than 12 years age. This medication can be very effective if it is applied at the start of cold sore and it can give best results when it is applied at the first sign of a cold sore like tingle, rednees, itch or bump. You should wash your hande before applying it and apply it only on dry skin. Apply Zovirax on affected area only and rub cream untill it disappers. This medication shoul only be used by the patients who are perscribed for it. Always consult with your doctor before using it. You can get complete information about this medication from your pharmacist.