Zovirax: Effective Antiviral Treatment for Herpes Infections
| Product dosage: 200mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 180 | $0.25 | $44.72 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.22
Best per pill | $89.44 $79.98 (11%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 400mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.77 | $46.44 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.70 | $69.66 $62.78 (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.66 | $92.88 $79.12 (15%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.62 | $139.32 $110.94 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.59 | $208.98 $159.10 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.58
Best per pill | $278.64 $208.12 (25%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 800mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $2.52 | $75.68 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.91 | $151.36 $114.38 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.70 | $227.04 $153.08 (33%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.61 | $302.72 $193.50 (36%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $1.50 | $454.08 $270.90 (40%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $1.44 | $681.12 $387.86 (43%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $1.40
Best per pill | $908.16 $504.82 (44%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Similar products
Zovirax (acyclovir) is a pioneering antiviral medication specifically formulated to manage infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). As a nucleoside analogue DNA polymerase inhibitor, it targets viral replication with precision, offering both therapeutic and suppressive benefits. This medication is available in multiple formulations, including oral tablets, topical cream, and intravenous solutions, to address a spectrum of clinical presentations from initial outbreaks to chronic suppression. Trusted by healthcare professionals for decades, Zovirax remains a cornerstone in antiviral therapy due to its proven efficacy and well-documented safety profile.
Features
- Active ingredient: Acyclovir
- Available formulations: 200mg, 400mg, 800mg oral tablets; 5% topical cream; intravenous injection
- Mechanism: Selective inhibition of viral DNA polymerase
- Targets: Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
- Prescription-only medication in most jurisdictions
- Bioavailability: Approximately 15-30% for oral administration (dose-dependent)
- Half-life: 2.5-3.3 hours in adults with normal renal function
Benefits
- Reduces healing time for active herpes lesions by inhibiting viral replication
- Decreases the frequency and severity of recurrent outbreaks when used suppressively
- Lowers risk of viral transmission to partners during suppressive therapy
- Provides symptomatic relief from pain, itching, and discomfort associated with lesions
- Available in multiple formulations to suit different clinical needs and patient preferences
- Well-established safety profile with extensive clinical experience spanning decades
Common use
Zovirax is primarily indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, including genital herpes, herpes labialis (cold sores), and herpes keratitis. It is also approved for the treatment of chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster) in immunocompetent patients. In immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, Zovirax is used to treat and prevent more severe manifestations of these viral infections. The topical formulation is typically reserved for initial herpes simplex infections and recurrent herpes labialis, while oral and intravenous formulations are used for more systemic involvement or suppressive therapy.
Dosage and direction
Oral Tablets:
- Initial genital herpes: 200mg every 4 hours while awake (5 times daily) for 10 days
- Chronic suppressive therapy: 400mg twice daily or 200mg three times daily
- Herpes zoster: 800mg every 4 hours while awake (5 times daily) for 7-10 days
- Chickenpox: 20mg/kg (max 800mg) four times daily for 5 days
Topical Cream:
- Apply sufficient quantity to cover lesions every 3 hours (6 times daily) for 7 days
- Begin treatment at earliest sign or symptom of recurrence
Intravenous:
- 5-10mg/kg every 8 hours for 7-10 days (dose adjusted for renal function)
All doses should be taken with a full glass of water. For optimal absorption, oral doses may be taken with or without food, though taking with food may reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Treatment should be initiated as early as possible following symptom onset for maximum efficacy.
Precautions
Patients should maintain adequate hydration during therapy to prevent crystalluria, particularly with higher doses or intravenous administration. Renal function should be monitored in patients with pre-existing renal impairment, the elderly, and those receiving concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. Use with caution in patients with neurological disorders, as neurotoxic reactions have been reported. Pregnant women should use only if clearly needed, as adequate human studies are lacking. Breastfeeding mothers should exercise caution, as acyclovir is excreted in human milk. Patients should be advised that Zovirax reduces but does not eliminate the risk of viral transmission.
Contraindications
Zovirax is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any component of the formulation. The intravenous formulation is contraindicated in patients with known intolerance to intravenous acyclovir. Topical cream should not be applied to mucous membranes, including inside the mouth, eyes, or vagina, due to potential irritation. Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min) should not receive standard dosing without appropriate adjustment.
Possible side effect
Common side effects (≥1%) include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. Topical application may cause mild pain, burning, or stinging at the application site. Less frequently, patients may experience fatigue, skin rash, or musculoskeletal pain. Rare but serious adverse effects include acute renal failure, neurological symptoms (agitation, confusion, hallucinations, seizures), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome, and hepatitis. intravenous administration may cause inflammation or phlebitis at the injection site. Most side effects are dose-dependent and reversible upon discontinuation.
Drug interaction
Probenecid significantly increases acyclovir plasma concentrations by reducing renal clearance. Concurrent use with other nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, cyclosporine, NSAIDs) may increase the risk of renal impairment. Zidovudine may potentiate fatigue and lethargy when co-administered with acyclovir. The intravenous formulation should not be mixed with other medications due to potential incompatibilities. Monitoring is recommended when used concomitantly with medications that compete for renal tubular secretion.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. For twice-daily dosing, if remembered within 6 hours of the missed dose, take immediately; if more than 6 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Maintaining consistent dosing intervals is important for optimal viral suppression, particularly during active outbreaks.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include agitation, coma, seizures, lethargy, and precipitation in renal tubules leading to renal failure. Management includes supportive care and maintenance of adequate hydration to prevent crystalluria. Hemodialysis significantly enhances acyclovir removal (approximately 60% reduction in plasma concentrations during a 6-hour dialysis session) and should be considered in cases of significant overdose, particularly in patients with renal impairment. Contact poison control center or seek immediate medical attention for suspected overdose.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F) in the original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed when not in use. Do not freeze. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Discard any unused topical cream 30 days after opening to prevent contamination. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour down the drain unless instructed to do so.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication regimen. Individual patient needs may vary, and proper medical supervision is essential for safe and effective use. The prescribing information provided here may not include all possible uses, directions, precautions, or interactions.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate that Zovirax reduces healing time by approximately 1-2 days in recurrent genital herpes and 3-4 days in initial episodes. For herpes zoster, treatment initiated within 72 hours of rash onset reduces the duration of viral shedding and acute pain. Long-term suppressive therapy shows 70-80% reduction in recurrence frequency among patients with frequent outbreaks. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate high rates of efficacy perception, particularly when treatment is initiated promptly at symptom onset. Dermatologists and infectious disease specialists consistently rate Zovirax as a first-line option for herpes management due to its favorable risk-benefit profile.