Zovirax Suspension
Prescription Required
Product introduction
Zovirax Suspension is an antiviral medicine. It helps in treating viral infections like herpes labialis, herpes simplex, shingles, genital herpes infection, and chickenpox. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells and therefore helps in clearing the infection.
Zovirax Suspension is used in the treatment of HIV infections
Zovirax Suspension is used in the treatment of HIV infections
Uses of Zovirax Oral Suspension
Benefits of Zovirax Oral Suspension
In Herpes Simplex Virus Infections
Zovirax Suspension is an antiviral medicine. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. It will not cure herpes and neither it prevents passing on the infection to others. However, it can speed up healing of the sores and decrease the symptoms such as tingling, pain, burning, itching. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.
In Chickenpox
Zovirax Suspension is used for the treatment of chickenpox. It is most effective if it is started within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of the rash. Take it as prescribed by the doctor to get the most of it. However, chickenpox is highly contagious. You can help prevent the spread of chickenpox by practicing good hygiene and washing your hands frequently. Reduce your exposure to people who have chickenpox. If you already have chickenpox, stay at home until all of your blisters have dried and crusted over.
In Herpes labialis
Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores, is a viral infection that primarily affects the lip. Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. The first attack may also be accompanied by fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. Zovirax Suspension can speed up healing of herpes labialis and also prevent recurrence of the sores.
In Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Zovirax Suspension can shorten the length and severity of shingles. It is most effective if you start taking it as soon as possible after the rash appears. Keeping the immune system healthy is the best way to prevent shingles. Maintaining good hygiene is another way of preventing shingles.
In Genital herpes infection
Genital herpes infection is a common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores. It can affect both men and women. Symptoms include pain, itching and irritation. Zovirax Suspension helps in treating the symptoms effectively and also prevents multiplication of the infection causing virus.
Side effects of Zovirax Oral Suspension
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Zovirax
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Photophobia
How to use Zovirax Oral Suspension
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Zovirax Suspension may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Zovirax Suspension. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Zovirax Suspension is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Zovirax Suspension is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving
SAFE
Zovirax Suspension does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Zovirax Suspension should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Zovirax Suspension may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
It is advisable to drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine.
It is advisable to drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine.
Liver
CAUTION
Zovirax Suspension should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Zovirax Suspension may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine
Quick tips
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
- Drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine. This helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
- If you have genital herpes, use barrier methods (condoms) for contraception and avoid sexual contact while the sores are present.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Nucleoside analog
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI INFECTIVES
Action Class
Antiviral (Non-HIV) drugs
Patient concerns
User feedback
Patients taking Zovirax Suspension
Thrice A Day
36%
Four Times A *
34%
Twice A Day
15%
Once A Day
13%
Twice A Month
2%
*Four Times A Day
What are you using Zovirax Oral Suspension for?
Chickenpox
33%
Herpes labial*
33%
Others
11%
Herpes zoster
11%
Genital herpe*
11%
*Herpes labialis, Genital herpes infection
What were the side-effects while using Zovirax Suspension?
Headache
100%
FAQs
Will I get cured after taking Zovirax Suspension for shingles?
Zovirax Suspension is an antiviral medicine effective against herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses. It does not cure infections caused by these viruses but helps to minimize the symptoms and shorten the duration of infection. It does not remove the viruses from the body but prevents the viruses from dividing and spreading.
Does Zovirax Suspension prevent transmission of infection to others?
No, you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Zovirax Suspension. Herpes infections are contagious, so avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching your eyes after touching an infected area. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmitting the infection to others. You should practice safe sex by using condoms. You should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.
What are the serious side effects of Zovirax Suspension?
Serious side effects are rare, but if you experience them, you should seek medical advice right away. These rare side effects include hives, blistering or peeling rash, yellow skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, loss of consciousness, fits, difficulty in breathing, hallucinations and swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat.
Do elderly patients need to be more careful while taking Zovirax Suspension?
Older adults (over age 65 years) tend to experience more side effects when taking Zovirax Suspension. The reason being, their kidneys do not flush the drug out of their system as quickly as a younger person’s kidneys would do. Elderly patients should drink plenty of water while taking Zovirax Suspension, and their kidney function should be monitored. These patients should be given a lower dose and should be monitored for neurological problems.
What can happen if somebody takes more than the recommended dose of Zovirax Suspension accidentally?
Accidental, repeated overdoses of oral Zovirax Suspension over several days have resulted in nausea, vomiting, confusion and headache. Consult your doctor in case of overdose.
Can I get resistant to Zovirax Suspension treatment?
Patients with advanced HIV disease or patients with an impaired immunity have reported resistance to Zovirax Suspension. If you are not responding to Zovirax Suspension, the possibility of drug resistance should be checked.
Is hair loss caused due to Zovirax Suspension permanent?
Hair loss is an uncommon side effect of Zovirax Suspension. It stops when the medicine is discontinued.
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Disclaimer:
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
- Acosta EP, Flexner C. Antiviral Agents (Nonretroviral). In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1594-1600.
- Safrin S. Antiviral Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 846-47.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 18-22.
- Aciclovir. Hayes, UK: Ranbaxy (UK) Limited a Sun Pharmaceutical Company; 2007 [revised 15 Aug. 2018]. [Accessed 29 Jan. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Drugs.com. Acyclovir. [Accessed 01 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-98. [Accessed 29 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Marketer details
Name: Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Address: Dr. Annie Besant Road, Mumbai - 400 030
Country of origin: India
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