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What side effects may occur?
Although side effects from Zovirax are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- burning, stinging, itching, or rash when ointment
is applied
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea or loose stools
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- severe
rash
- severe itching
- fever
- confusion
- yellowness of the skin or eyes
- blood in the urine
- stomach pain
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Overdose
Zovirax is generally safe. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Zovirax overdose
may include:
- Agitation, kidney failure, lethargy, coma, seizures
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Precautions 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.
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What is this Drug
Zovirax is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching and promotes heal
ing.
Topical Zovirax does not prevent the recurrence of sores but may decrease pain and itching if applied when the earliest symptoms first appear. Oral Zovirax decreases the frequency and se
verity of recurrent sores, but it is used only by people with severe herpes infections because of possible adverse effects.
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How to Use
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to
catch up.
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What special precautions should I follow?
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.
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