{"id":38295,"date":"2022-12-05T13:28:47","date_gmt":"2022-12-05T13:28:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=38295"},"modified":"2022-12-06T08:04:35","modified_gmt":"2022-12-06T08:04:35","slug":"zovirax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/zovirax\/","title":{"rendered":"Zovirax &#8211; Aciclovir uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>5%&nbsp;cream<br>aciclovir<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Zovirax cream is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Zovirax 5%&nbsp;cream&nbsp;contains the active substance aciclovir and is used to treat cold sores on the lips and face caused by the&nbsp;herpes&nbsp;simplex&nbsp;virus&nbsp;in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.&nbsp;Zovirax inhibits the virus&#8217;s ability to multiply, which makes the&nbsp;infection&nbsp;stop and heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cause of many cold sores is a\u00a0virus\u00a0called\u00a0herpes\u00a0simplex.\u00a0The virus\u00a0et causes blisters or sores on the lips in particular but also on other parts of the face.\u00a0Mouth ulcer infection can break out when the body&#8217;s immune system is impaired, e.g.\u00a0in the event of a cold or other\u00a0infection.\u00a0Stress, strong sun, cold, or menstruation can also trigger the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Treatment with Zovirax&nbsp;cream&nbsp;shortens the healing process by about half a day compared to the corresponding&nbsp;cream&nbsp;without the active component.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aciclovir found in Zovirax may also be approved to treat other conditions not mentioned in this product information.\u00a0Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or another healthcare professional if you have any further questions, and always follow their instructions.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you need to know before using Zovirax cream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not use Zovirax cream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211; if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to aciclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol, or any other ingredient in this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and precautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor before using Zovirax cream:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>If you have a weakened immune system, e.g.&nbsp;if you have&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;or have had a transplant<\/li><li>If you are not sure if you have cold sores<\/li><li>If you have severe mouth ulcers<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The cream\u00a0should only be used for cold sores on the lips or face.\u00a0Do not use the\u00a0cream\u00a0inside the mouth or nose or against other skin infections such as\u00a0genital\u00a0herpes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cream\u00a0can be slightly irritating to mucous membranes.\u00a0Avoid getting the\u00a0cream\u00a0in your eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes.\u00a0If it does happen, rinse with plenty of lukewarm water.\u00a0If you accidentally get\u00a0cream\u00a0in your mouth, it is not dangerous to accidentally swallow the\u00a0cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and Zovirax cream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor before using this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Zovirax is used topically, very little aciclovir is absorbed into the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zovirax is unlikely to affect children who are breastfed.&nbsp;However, consult a doctor for more than occasional use.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving ability and use of machinery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No known influence on the ability to drive or use machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You are responsible for assessing whether you are fit to drive a motor vehicle or perform work that requires increased attention.\u00a0One of the factors that can affect your ability in these respects is the use of drugs due to their effects and\/or\u00a0side effects.\u00a0A description of these effects and\u00a0side effects\u00a0can be found in other sections.\u00a0Read all the information in this leaflet for guidance.\u00a0Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zovirax cream contains propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, and sodium lauryl sulfate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Zovirax&nbsp;cream&nbsp;contains propylene glycol<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine contains 400 mg\/g propylene glycol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Zovirax&nbsp;cream&nbsp;contains cetyl alcohol<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cetyl alcohol can cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Zovirax&nbsp;cream&nbsp;contains sodium lauryl sulfate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine contains 7.5 mg\/g of sodium lauryl sulfate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sodium lauryl sulfate may cause local skin reactions (stinging or burning) or increase skin reactions caused by other products used on the same skin surface.<br><a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to use Zovirax cream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Adults and young people over 12 years of age<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Treatment should be started as soon as possible after the first signs of\u00a0infection, e.g.\u00a0itching\u00a0and tingling sensation.\u00a0You can start treatment even if blisters have formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apply\u00a0cream on the affected area 5 times a day, about 4 hours apart.\u00a0The entire affected area including the edges of the mouth sore should be covered with\u00a0cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The usual processing time is 4 days.\u00a0If symptoms worsen or do not improve 5 days after stopping treatment, consult a doctor for advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wash your hands before and after treatment to avoid\u00a0worsening or spreading the\u00a0infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not apply\u00a0the cream\u00a0directly before a meal, as\u00a0the cream\u00a0can then be easily licked off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid the spread of infection to other parts of the body or in the eyes, you should avoid touching the wound unnecessarily or letting others do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>When\u00a0dosing\u00a0with the pump:<\/em>\u00a0Hold your fingertip completely against the opening of the pump to avoid getting too much\u00a0cream\u00a0out.\u00a0The first time it may be necessary to press the pump several times before the\u00a0cream\u00a0comes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Use for children and adolescents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zovirax should not be used by children younger than 12 years.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have used too much Zovirax cream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is unlikely that any serious problems will occur if you have accidentally swallowed some&nbsp;cream&nbsp;or if you have applied a large amount of&nbsp;cream&nbsp;to your skin at one time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have accidentally swallowed a large amount of medicine or if, for example,\u00a0a child accidentally ingested the medicine.\u00a0contact a doctor or hospital for an assessment of the risk and advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you forget to use Zovirax cream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Apply&nbsp;cream&nbsp;as soon as you think of it and continue the treatment as before.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause\u00a0side effects, although not everybody gets them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stop taking Zovirax&nbsp;cream&nbsp;and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms (&nbsp;angioedema&nbsp;):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;\u00a0difficulty swallowing,\u00a0hives,\u00a0and difficulty breathing.\u00a0This is a very rare\u00a0side effect\u00a0(may affect up to 1 in 10,000 users).\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Other side effects:<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Uncommon<\/em>\u00a0(may affect up to 1 in 100 users): Burning, stinging at the application site, mild drying or peeling of the skin.\u00a0Itching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Rare<\/em>&nbsp;(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 users): Skin redness (&nbsp;erythema&nbsp;).&nbsp;Contact eczema (&nbsp;contact dermatitis&nbsp;) at the application site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to store Zovirax cream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Store out of sight and reach of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use before the expiry date stated on the packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Store the\u00a0cream\u00a0at a maximum of 25\u00b0C and protect it against cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines must not be thrown into the drain or among the household waste.\u00a0Ask the pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer used.\u00a0These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents of the packaging and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211; The active ingredient is aciclovir.&nbsp;One gram of&nbsp;cream&nbsp;contains 50 mg of aciclovir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211; Other ingredients are poloxamer, white petrolatum, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, glycerol monostearate, macrogol stearate, dimethicone, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, and purified water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Appearance and package sizes of the medicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Appearance:<\/em>&nbsp;White&nbsp;cream<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Packaging:<\/em>&nbsp;Aluminum tube with plastic screw cap (2 g) or polypropylene pump packaging (2 g).&nbsp;Not all packaging types may be marketed.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing authorization holder and manufacturer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Marketing Authorisation Holder<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare ApS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PO Box 61<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2610 R\u00f8dovre<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Denmark<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Phone: 020-100579<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare ApS Postboks 61 2610 R\u00f8dovre Denmark<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Zovirax 5%\u00a0cream\u00a0contains the active substance aciclovir and is used to treat cold sores on the lips and face caused by the\u00a0herpes\u00a0simplex\u00a0virus\u00a0in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.\u00a0Zovirax inhibits the virus&#8217;s ability to multiply, which makes the\u00a0infection\u00a0stop and heal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2200,22506],"tags":[10269,10272,10273,10271,10270,28667,28668,28666,28669,28670],"class_list":["post-38295","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medicines","category-z","tag-aciclovir","tag-aciclovir-cream","tag-aciclovir-side-effects","tag-what-aciclovir-is-used-for","tag-what-is-aciclovir","tag-what-is-zovirax","tag-what-zovirax-is-used-for","tag-zovirax","tag-zovirax-cream","tag-zovirax-side-effects"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38295","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38295"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38295\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38601,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38295\/revisions\/38601"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38295"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38295"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38295"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}