Product Name

• Zovirax Suspension

Scientific Name

Acyclovir 200mg / 5ml

Category Of Zovirax Suspension

• Anti-Viral

Mechanism Of Action Of Acyclovir

• Acyclovir is an antiviral that acts by interfering with viral DNA polymerase to inhibit DNA replication via chain termination

Therapeutic Indications Of Zovirax Suspension

• treat chickenpox: a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash. The rash first appears on the chest, back, and face, and then spreads over the entire body
• treat shingles: a viral infection that causes a painful rash.
• treat cold sores, genital herpes and other herpes simplex infections
• stop these problems in people whose immune system works less well, which means their bodies are less able to fight infections

Method Of Administration Of Zovirax Suspension

• Take this medicine by mouth.
• carefully measure the dose needed.
• Start to take Zovirax as soon as possible.
• The dose that you should take will depend on what you have been given Zovirax for. Your doctor will discuss this with you.
• Ensure that doses are separated by at least 4 hours
• Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
• If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose.
• Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose.

Undesirable Side Effects Of Zovirax Suspension

• headache
• feeling dizzy
• feeling or being sick
• diarrhea
• stomach pains
• skin reaction after exposure to light (photosensitivity)
• feeling tired
• unexplained fever (high temperature) and feeling faint, especially when standing up.
• Allergic reactions (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
• If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking Acyclovir Tablets and see a doctor straight away. The signs may include:

1. rash, itching or hives on your skin
2. swelling of your face, lips, tongue or other parts of your body
3. shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
4. collapse

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Precautions While Taking Zovirax Suspension

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments & Advice To Reduce The Risk of Infections

• The following advice may help you to reduce viral infection

1. Eat Healthily: Much of your immune system is in your GI tract, so keeping a healthy gut is half of the battle. Immune-system-boosting foods include fish, nuts, and olive oil.
2. Take Your Vitamins
3. Wash Your Hands Often and Sanitize
4. Get Enough Sleep

Warnings & Special Precautions while Taking Zovirax Suspension

• Do not take Acyclovir Tablets: If you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
• Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Acyclovir

1. if you have kidney problems
2. if you are over 65 years of age

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:

1. probenecid used to treat gout
2. cimetidine used to treat stomach ulcers
3. mycophenolate mofetil used to stop your body from rejecting transplanted organs

Storage Conditions Of Zovirax Suspension

• store below 25°c
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.

For More Information About Acyclovir

• Ask your physician or pharmacist
• Visit Medscape at Information About Acyclovir
• Visit Drugbank at Information About Acyclovir
• Visit Drugs.com at Information About Acyclovir
• SFDA website