|
|
Symptoms of overdose may include:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sluggishness, change in amount of urine, loss of consciousness, or se
izures.
|
What Is It
Zovirax is an antiviral agent that is active against the herpes virus infections of the genitals, skin, brain, and mucous membranes. The drug is also used to treat other viral infections such as shin
gles and chickenpox. Zovirax is used both systematically and topically, but usually will only help with the symptoms and will not lead to a cure of the virus. Side effects include pain, swelling, incr
eased thirst, loss of appetite, and nausea
|
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
If Zovirax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zovirax with the fo
llowing:
- Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
- Interferon (Roferon-A)
- Probenecid (Benemid)
- Zidovudine (Retrovir)
|
|
|
|
Proper Use of This Medicine
Your medication should not be shared with others, and the prescribed dose should not be exceeded. You can take Zovirax with or without food.
Zovirax ointment should not be used in or near th
e eyes. To reduce the risk of spreading the infection, use a rubber glove to apply the ointment.
Zovirax cream should not be used in or near the eyes, or inside the nose or mouth. The medica
tion can, however, be applied on the outside of the lips. Apply the cream with your fingers to clean, dry skin. Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying Zovirax cream, and avoid bathing or
swimming afterward to prevent it from washing off. Do not cover the cold sore with a bandage or make-up unless your doctor approves.
|
Cautions
This medication should be used cautiously during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
Avoid s
exual activity while signs and symptoms of genital herpes are present to prevent infecting your partner. Inform your doctor if this medication does not appear to decrease the frequency or severity of
recurrent infections.
|
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Zovirax, the following should be consi
dered:
Allergies¡XTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Zovirax. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such
s preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy¡XTopical Zovirax has not been studied in pregnant women. However, this medicine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studie
using mice, rats, or rabbits, except when given in very high doses in a study using rats.
|
|
