Zovirax is used to treat two common viral infections - royaldrugstore

       By: James Keneally
Posted: 2014-03-10 09:31:21
Zovirax which contain Aciclovir is used to treat two common viral infections - varicella-zoster and herpes simplex. The varicella-zoster virus is the cause of chickenpox and shingles. Herpes simplex viruses cause cold sores and genital herpes. Aciclovir works by preventing viruses from multiplying, and this reduces the severity of the infection and stops it from spreading. As well as treating infections, aciclovir can also be prescribed to prevent some viral infections from occurring. This is particularly the case in people who have a lowered immune system.Although some herpes infections (for example, cold sores) can be treated with creams or ointments, more severe infections need to be treated with tablets or medicine taken by mouth.Mechanism of action:Aciclovir (the active ingredient in Zovirax) belongs to a group of medicines called "antivirals".
Zovirax works by stopping the production of the viruses that cause herpes and shingles.
Your doctor may, however, have prescribed Zovirax for a different use to that described above.Precautions:Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking aciclovir it is important that your doctor knows:• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding.
• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.
• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.Drug interactions:Some medicines and ZOVIRAX may interfere with each other. These include:
medicines used to prevent gout or gouty arthritis such as probenecid.
medicines used to treat gastric ulcers or reflux such as cimetidine.
fluid tablets (diuretics)medicines used prevent rejection of transplanted organs such as mycophenolate mofetil.
These medicines may be affected by this drug or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.Side effects:Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:Nausea, vomiting, headache.
Less common side effects include:
Diarrhoea, dizziness, tiredness, fever, confusion, sleep disturbances;
Weight loss, constipation, fluid retention, leg and joint pain, shakiness, hallucinations;
Taste disturbances, sore throat, skin rash.
A small number of patients have had other unwanted effects after taking Zovirax.
There is no proof that it is addictive.Storage:Store at room temperature. Protect from heat, light and moisture. Keep away from reach of children.
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