Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Zovirax

Generic Name: acyclovir (oral) (Pronunciation: a SYE klo veer)

• What is acyclovir (Zovirax)?
• What are the possible side effects of acyclovir (Zovirax)?
• What is the most important information I should know about acyclovir (Zovirax)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acyclovir (Zovirax)?
• How should I take acyclovir (Zovirax)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zovirax)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zovirax)?
• What should I avoid while taking acyclovir (Zovirax)?
• What other drugs will affect acyclovir (Zovirax)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is acyclovir (Zovirax)?

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.

Acyclovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Acyclovir 200 mg-APO

oblong, blue/white, imprinted with APO, 042

Acyclovir 200 mg-PAR

turquoise, imprinted with G, 0034

Acyclovir 200 mg-PP

green, imprinted with R-605

Acyclovir 200 mg-RAN

white, imprinted with RX652

Acyclovir 200 mg-SCH

white, imprinted with ZENITH 4266, 200

Acyclovir 200 mg-TEV

blue, imprinted with N 940, 200

Acyclovir 200 mg-UDL

blue, imprinted with N 940, 200

Acyclovir 200 mg-WAT

blue/turquoise, imprinted with WATSON, Acyclovir 200

Acyclovir 200 mg-ZEN

white, imprinted with Zenith 4266, 200

Acyclovir 400 mg-NOV

oblong, blue, imprinted with N 943, 400

Acyclovir 400 mg-PAR

pentagonal, white, imprinted with G 0036

Acyclovir 400 mg-PP

round, white, imprinted with 606, R

Acyclovir 400 mg-RAN

oblong, white, imprinted with RX504

Acyclovir 400 mg-TEV

oblong, blue, imprinted with N943, 400

Acyclovir 400 mg-WAT

oblong, white, imprinted with WATSON 335

Acyclovir 400 mg-ZEN

round, white, imprinted with Hourglass Logo 4267, 400

Acyclovir 800 mg-PP

oval, green, imprinted with R607

Acyclovir 800 mg-SCH

oblong, white, imprinted with ACY 800

Acyclovir 800 mg-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with N947, 800

Acyclovir 800 mg-WAT

oblong, white, imprinted with WATSON 336

Acyclovir 800 mg-ZEN

oval, white, imprinted with Hourglass Logo 4268, 800

Zovirax 400 mg

shield, white, imprinted with ZOVIRAX, LOGO

What are the possible side effects of acyclovir (Zovirax)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• pain in your lower back;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• easy bruising or bleeding; or
• unusual weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain;
• headache, feeling light-headed; or
• swelling in your hands or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about acyclovir (Zovirax)?

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with acyclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.