Acyclovir tabs (Zovirax)

Pharmaceutical name: Acyclovir

Zovirax is an antiviral drug. It works by slowing the growth and spreading of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Zovirax will not cure herpes, but it can decreases the symptoms of the infection.

Indications: Zovirax is used to treat:
• Chickenpox (varicella zoster infection).
• Herpes Zoster
• Herpes simplex infections of the skin, eg cold sores.
• Genital herpes .
• Preventing herpes simplex infections in people whose immune system is weak.

Contraindications and cautions:
You should not use Zovirax:
• if you have an allergy to Acyclovir, Valcyclovir
• if you are pregnant
• if you are breastfeeding
You should talk with your health care provider prior to taking Zovirax in:
• kidney disorders.
• Elderly people.
You should drink plenty of fluids while you are taking this drug.
You should know that genital herpes can be spread through sexual contact

Side effects: There are possible side-effects associated with this medicine that can affect individuals in different ways. If a side effect is stated here, that does not necessarily mean the fact that all people using Zovirax will experience it or any other.
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• hair loss
• tiredness
• agitation
• pain, especially in the joints
• vision disorders

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with Zovirax. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to the following drugs:
• amphotericin B (Fungizone);
• aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Nes-RX, Neo-Fradin), paramomycin (Humatin), streptomycin, and tobramycin (Tobi, Nebcin);
• aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs : ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn);
• cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
• sulfonamides : sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim);
• tacrolimus (Prograf);
• vancomycin.
• medications to treat HIV or AIDS such as zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT);
• pentamidine (NebuPent);
• probenecid (Benemid);