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Zovirax

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Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Tablet

Acyclovir

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Zovirax (active ingredient: acyclovir) is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by certain herpes viruses. These viruses include herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus.

Zovirax helps slow the growth and spread of the virus. This can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, support faster healing, and lower the risk of complications.

Zovirax does not completely remove the herpes virus from the body. After an infection improves, the virus can remain inactive inside nerve cells and may become active again later.

Herpes Simplex Virus Infections

Herpes simplex virus can cause infections in different parts of the body. Zovirax may be used for both first-time infections and recurring outbreaks.

The medication works best when treatment begins as soon as possible after symptoms appear.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. It may cause painful blisters, open sores, itching, burning, tingling, or discomfort around the genital or anal area.

Some people may also experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, or pain during urination during an initial outbreak.

Zovirax can help:

  • Shorten the duration of an outbreak
  • Reduce pain and discomfort
  • Help sores heal more quickly
  • Reduce the formation of new sores
  • Lower the frequency of outbreaks when used as suppressive treatment

Zovirax does not prevent all transmission of genital herpes. The virus may still spread even when no sores are visible.

Recurrent Herpes Outbreaks

After the first infection, herpes simplex virus remains inactive in the body. It may become active again because of illness, stress, tiredness, sun exposure, hormonal changes, or a weakened immune system.

Recurring outbreaks are often milder and shorter than the first episode. Early treatment may help reduce their severity.

Some people with frequent outbreaks may take Zovirax every day as suppressive therapy. This can reduce how often outbreaks occur.

Cold Sores

Cold sores, also called herpes labialis, usually appear on or around the lips. Early symptoms may include tingling, itching, burning, or tenderness before a blister develops.

Zovirax may help shorten the outbreak and support healing, especially when treatment begins during the early tingling or burning stage.

The medication does not permanently prevent future cold sores.

Herpes Simplex Encephalitis

Herpes simplex encephalitis is a rare but serious infection that causes inflammation of the brain. It requires urgent medical treatment in a hospital.

Symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Severe headache
  • Confusion
  • Changes in behaviour
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Seizures
  • Weakness
  • Loss of consciousness

Intravenous acyclovir is commonly used because rapid treatment can reduce the risk of brain damage and other serious complications.

Herpes Infections in People With Weakened Immunity

People with weakened immune systems may develop more severe herpes infections. This may include people receiving chemotherapy, organ transplant medicines, or other treatments that suppress the immune system.

Zovirax may be used to treat an active infection or prevent certain herpes infections from returning. The dose and treatment duration depend on the person’s medical condition and immune function.

Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster, commonly called shingles, occurs when the varicella-zoster virus becomes active again. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox.

After chickenpox improves, the virus remains inactive in nerve tissue. It may become active again years later, especially in older adults or people with weakened immunity.

Shingles often causes:

  • Burning, tingling, or pain
  • A blistering rash
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Itching
  • Fever or tiredness

The rash usually appears on one side of the body or face and follows the path of an affected nerve.

Zovirax can help reduce viral activity, support faster healing, and shorten the duration of pain when treatment begins early.

Postherpetic Neuralgia

Some people continue to experience nerve pain after the shingles rash has healed. This condition is called postherpetic neuralgia.

Starting antiviral treatment promptly may help reduce the severity and duration of shingles. However, Zovirax cannot guarantee that postherpetic neuralgia will be prevented.

Shingles Affecting the Eye

Shingles can sometimes affect the area around the eye. This may lead to eye pain, redness, vision changes, or serious damage to the eye.

Seek urgent medical care if a shingles rash appears on the forehead, eyelid, or tip of the nose, or if you develop eye pain or changes in vision.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It usually causes an itchy rash, fluid-filled blisters, fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite.

Zovirax may be prescribed for certain people with chickenpox, especially when there is a higher risk of complications. Treatment is generally most effective when started soon after the rash appears.

Zovirax may help:

  • Reduce the number of new skin lesions
  • Shorten the duration of fever
  • Reduce the severity of symptoms
  • Support faster healing of the rash

Not everyone with chickenpox requires antiviral treatment. A healthcare provider will decide whether Zovirax is appropriate based on age, health status, symptom severity, and the risk of complications.

Mechanism of Action

Zovirax belongs to a class of medications called antiviral agents. It enters cells infected with the herpes virus and becomes activated inside those cells.

Once activated, Zovirax blocks a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase. The virus needs this enzyme to copy its genetic material and produce new viruses.

By interfering with viral DNA production, Zovirax slows or stops the virus from multiplying. This limits the spread of infection to new cells and allows the immune system to control the outbreak more effectively.

Selective Activity

Zovirax mainly becomes active inside virus-infected cells. This allows it to target viral activity while having less effect on healthy cells.

However, the medication can still cause side effects and must be used exactly as prescribed.

Timing of Treatment

Zovirax is generally most effective when started early.

For recurrent genital herpes or cold sores, treatment may be most helpful when started during the first signs of tingling, burning, itching, or pain.

For shingles, treatment should usually begin as soon as possible after the rash appears.

Do not delay seeking medical advice if symptoms are severe or involve the eyes, brain, or other important organs.

Individualised Treatment

The dose and duration of Zovirax treatment depend on several factors, including:

  • The type of viral infection
  • Whether the infection is new or recurring
  • The severity of symptoms
  • Age and body weight
  • Kidney function
  • Immune system health
  • Other medications
  • The form of Zovirax being used

Zovirax is available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid, topical products, and intravenous medication. Different forms are used for different conditions.

Role in Long-Term Management

Zovirax helps control herpes virus infections, but it does not cure them. Some people may need treatment only during an outbreak, while others may require daily suppressive therapy.

Long-term treatment may help reduce the number of outbreaks, but the virus remains in the body and symptoms may return after treatment stops.

Important Treatment Reminders

Take Zovirax exactly as prescribed and complete the full treatment course.

Drink enough fluids during treatment unless a healthcare provider has advised you to restrict your fluid intake. Proper hydration can help reduce the risk of kidney problems.

Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve, become worse, or return soon after treatment.

Seek urgent medical care for confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing, severe weakness, very little urine, facial swelling, severe skin reactions, or a rash involving the eyes.

Take Zovirax exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The tablets are taken by mouth and may be taken with or without food.

Take each dose with water and drink enough fluids throughout treatment, unless your healthcare provider has told you to restrict your fluid intake. Proper hydration is particularly important for people with kidney problems or an increased risk of dehydration.

Follow the instructions provided for your specific tablets. Do not crush, split, or alter the medication unless a healthcare provider or pharmacist confirms that it is appropriate.

Treatment Schedule

The number of doses and length of treatment depend on the infection being treated. Zovirax may be taken several times each day because the medication must remain at an effective level in the body.

Space the doses as evenly as possible during waking hours. Follow the schedule on your prescription label and complete the entire prescribed course.

Dosage for Shingles

For the acute treatment of shingles in adults, the usual dose is 800 mg every four hours, five times daily, for 7 to 10 days.

Treatment should begin as early as possible after the shingles rash appears.

Dosage for Initial Genital Herpes

For an initial episode of genital herpes in adults, the usual dose is 200 mg every four hours, five times daily, for 10 days.

Different dosing schedules may be prescribed for recurring outbreaks or long-term suppressive treatment.

Dosage for Recurrent Genital Herpes

For an occasional recurring episode, a commonly recommended dose is 200 mg every four hours, five times daily, for 5 days.

Treatment should begin at the earliest sign of an outbreak, such as tingling, itching, burning, or pain.

For long-term suppression of recurrent genital herpes, the usual dose is 400 mg twice daily. A healthcare provider should periodically review whether continued treatment is necessary.

Dosage for Chickenpox

For adults and children weighing more than 40 kg, the usual dose is 800 mg four times daily for 5 days.

For children aged 2 years and older who weigh 40 kg or less, the usual dose is 20 mg per kilogram of body weight per dose, taken four times daily for 5 days. The total daily dose is 80 mg per kilogram.

A healthcare provider will calculate the correct dose based on the child’s weight. Treatment should begin as early as possible, preferably within 24 hours after the chickenpox symptoms appear.

Kidney Function and Dose Adjustments

Acyclovir is removed from the body mainly through the kidneys. People with reduced kidney function may require a lower dose or a longer interval between doses.

Older adults and people who are dehydrated may also have a higher risk of kidney-related or neurological side effects. A healthcare provider may monitor kidney function and adjust the treatment schedule when needed.

Missed Dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. However, skip it if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.

Continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra medication to replace a missed dose.

Important Treatment Reminders

Begin treatment as soon as directed because Zovirax is generally most effective when started early.

Continue taking it for the full prescribed period, even if your symptoms improve. Do not change the dose or stop treatment without speaking with a healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects of Zovirax (Acyclovir):

  • Diarrhea
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Lightheadedness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Malaise
  • Nausea
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Vomiting

Serious Side Effects of Zovirax (Acyclovir):

  • Bleeding
  • Change in urine output
  • Dark urine
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Mental or mood changes
  • Seizures
  • Shaky or unsteady movement
  • Trouble speaking
  • Vision changes
  • Yellowish skin

Zovirax (Acyclovir) is available in the following forms and strength:

Zovirax: Tablet

  • 200 mg
  • 400 mg
  • 800 mg

Acyclovir: Tablet

  • 200 mg
  • 400 mg
  • 800 mg

Allergic Reactions

Zovirax may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Seek immediate medical care if you develop:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Hives or a severe rash
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Severe dizziness or fainting

Kidney Problems

Zovirax is removed from the body mainly through the kidneys. People with kidney disease may need a lower dose or more time between doses.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, receive dialysis, are dehydrated, or take other medications that may affect kidney function.

Drink enough fluids during treatment unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to limit fluid intake.

Neurological Side Effects

Zovirax may rarely cause effects involving the brain and nervous system. The risk may be higher in older adults and people with kidney impairment.

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

  • Confusion
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Unusual drowsiness
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

A healthcare provider will consider the benefits of treating the infection and any potential risks before recommending Zovirax. Do not start or stop treatment without medical advice.

Medication Interactions

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, nonprescription products, vitamins, and supplements you use.

Zovirax may interact with medications such as probenecid and cimetidine. Other medicines that affect kidney function may also increase the risk of side effects.

Herpes Transmission

Zovirax helps control herpes outbreaks, but it does not cure the infection or completely prevent transmission. The herpes virus remains in the body after symptoms improve.

Avoid sexual contact when blisters, sores, tingling, burning, or other outbreak symptoms are present. Using barrier protection may reduce the risk of transmission, but it does not remove the risk completely.

Overdose

Taking more Zovirax than prescribed can cause serious complications, including kidney failure, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Seek immediate medical advice or contact a poison control centre if you think too much medication has been taken. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

Liver Problems

Liver problems have been reported rarely during treatment with Zovirax.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver disease. Seek medical advice if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness, severe nausea, or pain in the upper-right side of the abdomen.

Herpes Eye Infections

Acyclovir may be used in certain treatment plans for eye infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. These infections require assessment and supervision by an eye specialist.

Do not place oral Zovirax tablets or other non-ophthalmic forms directly into the eyes. Seek urgent medical care for eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or sores around the eye.

Use in Older Adults

Older adults may be more sensitive to Zovirax, particularly if kidney function is reduced.

A healthcare provider may adjust the dose and monitor kidney function, hydration, and neurological side effects more closely during treatment.

Can Zovirax Be Taken During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

Speak with a healthcare provider before taking Zovirax if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. A healthcare provider will consider the benefits of treating the infection and any possible risks before recommending the medication. Acyclovir can pass into breast milk, so medical guidance is important during breastfeeding.

How Long Does Zovirax Take to Work?

The amount of time Zovirax takes to work depends on the infection being treated and how soon treatment begins. Symptoms may start to improve within a few days. However, Zovirax is usually most effective when started as soon as possible after symptoms appear. Complete the entire prescribed course, even if you begin to feel better.

Can Zovirax Cure Herpes?

No. Zovirax does not cure herpes or remove the virus from the body. It helps slow viral activity, shorten outbreaks, promote healing, and reduce symptoms. The virus can remain inactive in the body and may cause future outbreaks.

Can Zovirax Treat Genital Herpes?

Yes. Zovirax is used to treat initial and recurring genital herpes infections caused by herpes simplex viruses, including HSV-1 and HSV-2. It may also be taken regularly as suppressive treatment to reduce the frequency of recurring outbreaks. However, it does not completely prevent transmission to another person.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, skip it if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra medication to replace the missed dose.

Can Zovirax Be Taken With Other Medications?

Zovirax may interact with other medications. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, nonprescription products, vitamins, and supplements you use. Certain medicines may affect how Zovirax is removed through the kidneys or increase the risk of kidney and neurological side effects. Do not start or stop another medication without medical advice.

REVIEWS

Additional Information Book
Generic name:

Acyclovir

Formulation:

Tablet

Strength(s):

200mg, 400mg, 800mg

Quantities Available:

50, 56, 100, 112

Why customers love Online Pharmacies Canada

Our online Canadian Pharmacy is known for high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency when it comes to medications.

Our pharmacy offers lower prices on prescription drugs compared to traditional pharmacies.

How to Order

How much Zovirax can I order at once from a Canadian pharmacy?

When ordering Zovirax (acyclovir) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time, which is standard for prescription medications to ensure continuous treatment without frequent refills.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dosage and Quantity: Zovirax is available in various strengths, including 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the specific viral infection being treated and your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

For example: If prescribed 400 mg three times daily for chronic suppressive therapy of genital herpes, for a 90-day supply, you would order 270 tablets (90 days x 3 tablets per day).

Do you sell acyclovir?

Yes, we sell acyclovir on our website. You can enjoy low prices when you order through us. To purchase acyclovir, you will need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider, as we require this to dispense the medication safely and in compliance with healthcare regulations. You have the option to submit your prescription by mailing it to us, faxing it, or uploading it securely through your online account.

Do you offer shipping of Zovirax (acyclovir) to the United States?

Yes, we ship Zovirax (acyclovir) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.

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Online Pharmacies Canada has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Zovirax (Acyclovir). Talk to your doctor or other qualified medical practitioners for medical attention or advice, or if you have any concerns about Zovirax (Acyclovir).