Zovirax
Zovirax Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Zovirax is the brand name of Zovirax, a synthetic purine nucleoside with inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus(HSV-1 & HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The activity of Zovirax is highly selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine kinase encoded by HSV and VZV. This viral enzyme converts Zovirax into Zovirax monophosphate, a nucleotide analogue. The monophosphate is further converted into diphosphate and finally triphosphate by a number of cellular enzymes. In vitro, Zovirax triphosphate stops replication of herpes viral DNA. This is accomplished in 3 ways: 1) Competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase, 2) Incorporation into and termination of the growing viral DNA chain and 3) Inactivation of the viral DNA polymerase.
| Trade Name | Zovirax |
| Generic | Aciclovir |
| Weight | 5%w/w, 250mg/vial, 200mg, 3%w/w, , 400mg, 800mg, 5%, 40mg/ml, 250mg, 3%, 80mg/ml, 1000mg, 25mg/ml, 50mg/ml |
| Type | Tablet, Injection, Opth Ointment, Syrup, Cream, Infusion, Eye Ointment, Suspension, Powder, For Solution, Ointment, Intravenous Powder For Injection, Intravenous Solution, Oral Suspension, For Injection |
| Therapeutic Class | Therapeutic Group: Anti Viral |
| Manufacturer | Glaxosmithkline Pharma, Glaxo Operation Uk Ltd, Glaxosmithkline Uk, Glaxo Saudi Arabia, Glaxowellcome, Glaxosmithkline (gsk), , Glaxosmithkline Indonesia Pt |
| Available Country | India, Pakistan, Philippines, United Kingdom, Australia, Saudi Arabia, United States, Indonesia, Netherlands, Portugal, |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
• Herpes Zoster
• Genital Herpes
• Chickenpox
• Herpes Simplex Infections
• Herpes Simplex Encephalitis
Dosage
Zovirax dosage
The total daily dosage of Zovirax should be based on the type or severity of infection and given in equally divided doses based on consideration of degree of susceptibility of the pathogens, renal function and body-weight.
Zovirax Tablet
• Acute Herpes Zoster:
800 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days.
• Genital Herpes:
Initial Genital Herpes: 200 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 10 days.
Chronic suppressive therapy for recurrent disease: 400 mg 2 times daily for up to 12 months.
Intermittent therapy: 200 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 5 days.
• Chickenpox:
Children (2 years of age and older): 20 mg/kg/dose 4 times daily (80 mg/kg/day) for 5 days.
Adults and Children (>40 kg): 800 mg 4 times daily for 5 days.
Zovirax IV
The required dose of Zovirax IV should be administered by slow intravenous infusion over a one-hour period.
• Herpes Simplex (HSV-1 and HSV-2) Infections:
Adults and Adolescents (≥12 years): 5 mg/kg, 8 hourly for 7 days.
Pediatrics (<12 years): 10 mg/kg 8 hourly for 7 days.
• Severe Initial Herpes Genitalis:
Adults and Adolescents (≥12 years): 5 mg/kg 8 hourly for 5 days.
• Herpes Simplex Encephalitis:
Adults and Adolescents (≥12 years): 10 mg/kg 8 hourly for 10 days.
Pediatrics (3 months to 12 years of age): 20 mg/kg 8 hourly for 10 days.
• Neonatal Herpes Simplex (Birth to 3 months):
10 mg/kg 8 hourly for 10 days.
• Varicella Zoster:
Adults and Adolescents (≥12 years): 10 mg/kg 8 hourly for 7 days.
Pediatrics (<12 years): 20 mg/kg 8 hourly for 7 days.
Dose adjustment of Tablet for patients with acute or chronic renal impairment, based on Creatinine Clearance, Cr Cl (mL/min/1.73 m2):
For Cr Cl= > 25 : 800 mg 4 hourly 5 times daily
For Cr Cl = 10 to 25 : 200 mg 4 hourly 5 times daily or 400 mg 12 hourly or 800 mg 8 hourly
For Cr Cl = 0 to 10 : 200 mg 12 hourly or 400 mg 12 hourly or 800 mg 12 hourly
Dose adjustment of IV for patients with acute or chronic renal impairment, based on Creatinine Clearance, Cr Cl (mL/min/1.73 m2):
For Cr Cl = > 50 : 100% of recommended dose, 8 hourly
For Cr Cl = 25 to 50 : 100% of recommended dose, 12 hourly
For Cr Cl = 10 to 25 : 100% of recommended dose, 24 hourly
For Cr Cl = 0 to 10 : 50% of recommended dose, 24 hourly
Caution: Rapid or bolus intravenous injection must be avoided. Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection must be avoided.
Reconstitution procedure of IV infusion
Vial containing 250 mg Zovirax will be reconstituted with 50 ml infusion solution and vial containing 500 mg Zovirax will be reconstituted with 100 ml infusion solution. Besides, Vial containing 1 gm Zovirax will be reconstituted with 250 ml infusion solution. 10 ml of the infusion solution will be added to the vial containing 250 mg, 500 mg and 1 gm Zovirax. Shake well and transfer the required amount of solution to the infusion container. The final concentration of Zovirax will be not more than 5 mg/ml.
The reconstituted solution should be used within 12 hours. Refrigeration of reconstituted solution may result in the formation of a precipitate which will re-dissolve at room temperature.
Compatible infusion fluids
Sodium Chloride Intravenous Infusion BP (0.45% and 0.9% w/v)
Sodium Chloride (0.18% w/v) and Glucose (4% w/v) Intravenous Infusion BP
Sodium Chloride (0.45% w/v) and Glucose (2.5% w/v) Intravenous Infusion BP
Hartmann\\\'s Solution
Side Effects
Rash, gastro-intestinal disturbances, rises in bilirubin and liver-related enzymes, increase in blood urea and creatinine, decreases in hematological indices, headache, neurological reactions, fatigue.
Precaution
Zovirax should be administered with caution in patient with renal impairment and doses should be adjusted according to creatinine clearance.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy category B & caution should be exercised when it is administered to a lactating mother.
Interaction with other Medicine
Probenecid reduces Zovirax excretion and so increases plasma concentration and risk of toxicity.
Storage Condition
Keep in a cool & dry place away from light. Keep drugs out of the reach of children.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Zovirax
FAQ
What is Zovirax used for?
Zovirax is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles. Other uses include prevention of cytomegalovirus infections following transplant and severe complications of Epstein–Barr virus infection.
How safe is Zovirax?
It is concluded that long-term suppression with Zovirax is safe and effective for patients with recurrent genital herpes.
How does Zovirax work?
Zovirax works by preventing viruses from multiplying, and this reduces the severity of the infection and stops it from spreading.
What are the common side effect of Zovirax?
Common side effects of Zovirax include:
- headaches.
- feeling dizzy.
- feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- diarrhea.
- skin being sensitive to sunlight.
Is Zovirax safe during pregnancy?
Use of Zovirax in the first trimester does not increase birth defects, and it should be the antiviral drug of choice in early pregnancy.
Is Zovirax safe during breastfeeding?
Zovirax does accumulate in breast milk but they also showed that there were no problems seen in the infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers Zovirax to be safe during breastfeeding, according to the researchers
Can I drink alcohol with Zovirax?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Zovirax.
Can I drive after taking Zovirax?
Some people feel dizzy when taking Zovirax tablets or liquid. This may make it more difficult to concentrate and react. Do not drive or use any tools or machines if you're affected.
When should be taken of Zovirax ?
Zovirax are usually taken with or without food two to five times a day for 5 to 10 days, starting as soon as possible after your symptoms begin.
How long does Zovirax take to work?
Zovirax begins to work within 24 to 48 hours after you start taking it. It may take four or five days for symptoms to reduce, but you should continue consuming the medication until the prescribed course is complete.
How long does Zovirax stay in my system?
Zovirax has a half-life of 2.5 to 3.3 hours in people with normal renal function. This means that a single dose of Zovirax, after conversion into Zovirax by your body, will reduce in concentration every 2.5 hours to 3.3 hours.
How long can I take Zovirax?
Zovirax is usually taken two to five times a day for up to 12 months.
Who should not take Zovirax ?
You should not take acyclovir buccal tablets if you are allergic to milk proteins. Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease; or. a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Zovirax, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, and take the remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals. If it is time or almost time for your next dose, however, do not double dose. Get to the next dose and stay on schedule.
What happen If I stop taking Zovirax?
If you stop taking the Zovirax suddenly or don't take it at all: The symptoms of your infection may not get better or may get worse.
What happen if I take too much Zovirax?
If you take too much you could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this Zovirax can include more severe side effects, such as: headache, nausea.
Is it bad to take too much Zovirax?
Taking too much Zovirax by accident is unlikely to harm you, unless you take too much over several days. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're worried that you have had too much Zovirax.
Can Zovirax affects my kidney?
It can present in clinical practice as acute kidney injury, crystal-induced nephropathy, acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, and rarely, as tubular dysfunction.
Can Zovirax affects liver?
Despite widespread use, there is little evidence that when given orally causes significant liver injury. Serum enzyme levels generally do not change during oral acyclovir therapy.
Can Zovirax affect my heart?
Increased heart rate Seizures. Encephalopathy (a disorder of the brain) Decreased number of blood platelets.
