Zovirax cream (aciclovir)

Effective dosage:

applied 4 times/day

Side effects:

• dry or cracked lips
• flakiness or dryness of skin
• burning or stinging feeling of the skin
• itching of the skin

Drug Class: Herpes.

Zovirax cream detailed information:

Zovirax cream is used to treat herpes infections of the skin and genitals and it is treating cold sores on the face or lips that are caused by the herpes virus (such as tingle, redness, bump, or itch). The cream contains the unique antiviral agent aciclovir which works by stopping the herpes virus from reproducing and infecting more cells. Zovirax helps to reduce the pain and severity of herpes lesions or sores. It is also used to treat initial episodes of genital herpes and certain herpes infections of the skin and mucous membranes. Zovirax cream does not eliminate the herpes virus and it does not prevent transmission to others, but may help relieve the pain and discomfort and may help the sores heal faster.

Zovirax is delivered in a specially formulated cream containing an absorption accelerator. This ensures the active ingredient is carried through the skin, over the cold sore, and into the area where the virus is reproducing. Once it reaches this area the active ingredient springs into action – which makes it difficult for the virus to reproduce itself. When that happens your body’s natural defences can get to work and make the cold sore disappear. The cream also contains ingredients to moisturise deep within the skin to soothe and protect.

For recurrent infections aciclovir cream is most effective if treatment is started as soon as the first signs of the infection begin to reappear. Zovirax cream should be applied five times daily at approximately four hourly intervals, omitting the night time application. Treatment should be continued for 5 days. If, after 5 days, healing is not complete then treatment may be continued for up to an additional 5 days. Zovirax cream should be applied to the lesion or impending lesion as early as possible after the start of an infection. It is particularly important to start treatment of recurrent episodes during the prodromal period or when lesions first appear.

Zovirax should only be used on cold sores on the mouth and face. It is not recommended for application to mucous membranes, such as in the mouth or eye and must not be used to treat genital herpes. Zovirax is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to aciclovir, valaciclovir, or any component of the formulation.

For further information about ZOVIRAX CREAM, consult with your doctor.