acyclovir
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral topical medication used to treat certain infections caused by the herpes virus, including cold sores on the lips and face, as well as genital herpes. It's FDA approved as a cream for people 12 years and older and as an ointment for adults. You typically apply it 5 to 6 times daily to the affected area. Common side effects include mild skin irritation, burning, or itching at the application site.
What is Acyclovir (Zovirax)?
What is Acyclovir (Zovirax) used for?
- Genital herpes in adults - ointment only
- Herpes infections in adults with a weakened immune system) - ointment only
- Cold sores that keep coming back in people 12 years and older - cream only
How Acyclovir (Zovirax) works
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral medication, specifically a herpes virus nucleoside analogue. It works by blocking the herpes virus from making new DNA, which stops the virus from multiplying in your body.
Drug facts
Side effects of Acyclovir (Zovirax)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Ointment:
- Burning and stinging at application site (30%)
Cream:
- Application site reaction (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
Ointment:
- Itching at application site
- Swelling or pain at the application site
- Rash
Cream:
- Allergic reaction
- Eczema
The following Acyclovir (Zovirax) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Mild pain, burning, or stinging
Less common
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Pros
- Not many interactions with other medications
- Applied directly to the affected area
- Typically only used for 4 to 7 days
Cons
- Must be applied multiple times daily
- Can cause burning and stinging at the application site
- Ointment not FDA approved for children
Pharmacist tips for Acyclovir (Zovirax)
- Acyclovir (Zovirax) works best when you start it as soon as you notice the first signs of an outbreak.
- Acyclovir (Zovirax) must be taken several times a day, which can be tough to remember. Setting a phone alarm can help you stay on track.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying acyclovir (Zovirax) to help prevent spreading the infection. You can use a finger cot or rubber glove to lower the risk of spreading the infection to other areas of your body or to other people.
- Apply acyclovir (Zovirax) cream only to cold sores on your face and lips. Don’t put it in your eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals.
- Avoid using other creams, ointments, or lotions on the same area while using acyclovir (Zovirax). Doing so could make the medication less effective.
- Try not to rub or touch the affected area while using acyclovir (Zovirax). This can make the infection worse or spread it to other areas.
- Use acyclovir (Zovirax) for exactly as long as your prescriber tells you. Stopping too soon can make your symptoms return.
- Acyclovir (Zovirax) won’t cure cold sores or genital herpes, but it can help control outbreaks and shorten healing time.
Common questions about Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Make sure to apply enough acyclovir (Zovirax) cream to cover the affected area. Follow your prescriber's instructions carefully. This medication is typically prescribed to use 5 times a day for 4 days, but they might have you take it differently.
Acyclovir (Zovirax) usually begins working within a few days of starting treatment. You should notice the sores starting to heal. If you still have symptoms after using the cream or ointment for the full length of time your prescriber recommended, be sure to let them know.
Acyclovir (Zovirax) cream isn't available over the counter. Instead, you'll need a prescription from a healthcare professional. Once you have a prescription, you can pick it up at your local pharmacy.
No, acyclovir (Zovirax) isn't an antibiotic. It's an antiviral, so it only works against certain viruses. If you have a bacterial infection, you'll need a different type of medication to treat it.
No, acyclovir (Zovirax) doesn’t usually cause yeast infections. If you notice any symptoms of a yeast infection while using this medication, check in with your prescriber to rule out other possible causes.
Acyclovir (Zovirax) doesn't get absorbed much into your body when you apply it on your skin, so it's not expected to harm an unborn baby during pregnancy. Still, it's best to check with your prescriber before using any medication while pregnant. They can help you understand the risks and benefits and choose the safest treatment for you.
Drug interactions with acyclovir (Zovirax) are unlikely because very little of it is absorbed into your body. Even so, check with your prescriber before starting any new medications while using it. Don’t use other creams, lotions, or ointments on the same area unless your prescriber tells you it’s okay.
Yes, your prescriber might recommend taking acyclovir (Zovirax) tablets and cream together for genital herpes. Follow their instructions carefully and contact them if you have any questions.
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Risks and warnings for Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Acyclovir (Zovirax) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
For use on the skin only
Acyclovir (Zovirax) should only be applied to your skin. The cream, specifically, is meant just for cold sores on your face and lips. Don't put acyclovir (Zovirax) in your eyes, mouth, or nose because this can cause more side effects.
Skin irritation
Acyclovir (Zovirax) can cause skin irritation. If this becomes severe or doesn't go away, contact your prescriber.
Acyclovir (Zovirax) dosage
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5g of 5% | 1 tube | $49.64 | $49.64 |
Typical dosage for Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Interactions between Acyclovir (Zovirax) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
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Acyclovir (Zovirax) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Acyclovir (Zovirax) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to acyclovir (Zovirax) or valacyclovir
What are alternatives to Acyclovir (Zovirax)?
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