Zovirax

What is it?

An antiviral DNA polymerise inhibitor available in shield- shaped, dispersible tablets in 2 strengths containing aciclovir. Blue, contain 200mg and pink, contain 400mg, both marked with triangle, strength and name. Also, scored, white, dispersible, elongated tablets containing 800mg of aciclovir, marked with strength and name. Also, ZOVIRAX SUSPENSION, in 2 strengths containing 200mg and 400mg of aciclovir per 5ml. Also, ZOVIRAX CREAM, containing 5% aciclovir. Also, ZOVIRAX OINTMENT, containing 3% aciclovir. Also, ZOVIRAX INFUSION, available as a powder in vials in 2 strengths for reconstitution and injection containing 250 and 500mg of aciclovir.

Medical Uses

Tablets, suspension and cream, treatment and suppression of infections of skin and mucous membranes caused by herpes simplex; prevention of these infections in patients with low immunity. Treatment of infections caused by herpes zoster and varicella. Tablets, suspension and cream, treatment and suppression of genital herpes; prevention of genital herpes in patients with low immunity. Ointment, keratitis (eye inflammation) caused by herpes simplex. Infusion, consult manufacturer's literature.

Dosage

Oral preparations, adults, treatment of herpes simplex, 200mg every4 hours 5 times each day with break over night for 5 days. In severe cases, treatment period may need to be extended. Suppression of herpes simplex, 200mg 4 times each day every 6 hours or 400mg twice each day, for 6 months to 1 year, then evaluate. Patients with low immunity, treatment, 400mg every 4 hours, 5 times each day. Prevention, 200 to 400mg every 6 hours, 4 times each day. Herpes zoster or varicella, 800mg 5 times each day every 4 hours with break at night for 1 week. Genital herpes, 200mg every 4 hours, 5 times each day; patients with low immunity, 400mg every 4 hours, 5 times each day for at least 5 days. Suppression, 400mg twice each day or 200mg 4 times each day (possibly, 3 times or 2 times daily may be adequate, in some cases). Prevention in patients with low immunity, 200 to 400mg 4 times each day. Cream, apply 5 times each day every 4 hours for5 days, possibly extending treatment period for further 5 days if healing is not complete. Ointment, insert 1 cm of ointment into lower conjunctival sac every 4 hours, 5 times each day with break at night and continue for 3 days beyond disappearance of symptoms. Infusion, consult manufacturer's literature. Children, oral preparations, herpes simplex, treatment and prevention, aged under 2 years, half adult dose; aged over 2 years, as for adults. Varicella, aged under 2 years, treatment, 200mg 4 times each day; aged 2 to 5 years, 400mg 4 times each day; aged over 6 years, 800mg 4 times each day. All treatments for 5 days. Genital herpes, treatment, aged under 2 years, 100mg every 4 hours 5 times each day; aged over 2 years, as for adults. All treatment for 5 days. Prevention, aged under 2 years, 100mg every 6 hours, 4 times each day; aged over 2 years, as for adults. Cream, as adult dose. Ointment and infusion, consult manufacturer's literature.

Special Care

Elderly, pregnancy, breastfeeding, severely impaired kidney function. Patients receiving infusion must be well hydrated.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Mycophenolate, probenecid, cimetidine.

Known Side Effects

With oral preparations, sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, sensitivity to light, rash, fits, hallucinations, confusion. In rare cases, jaundice, hepatitis, haematological changes, short-lived rise in liver enzymes, creatinine and blood urea levels, acute kidney failure. With cream, slight flaking and skin dryness, short- lived irritation. Ointment, slight irritation and stinging, superficial punctate keratopathy (damage to cornea).