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Zovirax (acyclovir) is used to treat the symptoms of chickenpox and shingles; herpes virus infections of the genitals, skin, brain, and mucous membranes (lips and mouth); and widespread herpes virus infections in newborns. It is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections. Zovirax is not a cure for herpes, but it does relieve the pain and discomfort, as well as helping sores heal. Zovirax may also be used for other virus infections as determined by your physicain. However, there are various virus infections on which it will not work, such as the common cold.

Patient information about the treatment of herpes, chickenpox, or shingles is available with the Zovirax package. Read it carefully before using this medicine. Zovirax treatment is most effective if it is started within 48 hours of when the symptoms of herpes infection or shingles (for example, pain, burning, blisters) begin to appear, or as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash, usually within one day. Zovirax may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

Store away from heat and direct light, and keep out of the reach of children. Keep away from moisture (do not store the capsule or tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places). Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, just skip the dose you missed and take only the one regularly scheduled. Avoid taking a double dose.

Some side effects reported to occur with use of Zovirax are blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin; changes in facial skin color; changes in vision; confusion; convulsions (seizures); coughing; difficulty in breathing or swallowing; dizziness or feeling faint, severe; fast heartbeat; muscle cramps, pain, or weakness; nausea or vomiting; red or irritated eyes; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; sense of agitation or uneasiness; skin rash, itching, or hives; sore throat, fever, or chills; sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips; swelling of eyelids, face, feet, hands, lower legs or lips; swollen, painful, or tender lymph nodes (glands) in neck, armpit, or groin.

Before taking Zovirax, let your physicain know if you are using any of the following drugs: Carmustine (e.g., BiCNU) or Cisplatin (e.g., Platinol) or Combination pain medicine containing acetaminophen and aspirin (e.g., Excedrin) or other salicylates or Cyclosporine (e.g., Sandimmune) or Deferoxamine (e.g., Desferal) (with long-term use) or Gold salts (medicine for arthritis) or Inflammation or pain medicine, except narcotics, or Lithium (e.g., Lithane) or Methotrexate (Mexate) or Other medicine for infection or Penicillamine (e.g., Cuprimine) or Plicamycin (e.g., Mithracin) or Streptozocin (e.g., Zanosar) or Tiopronin (Thiola). Depending on the drug and on your condition, your physicain may tell you that you cannot use Zovirax or you may need a dosage adjustment and/or special monitoring. Concurrent use of these medicines with Zovirax may increase the chance for side effects, especially when kidney disease is present.

Your medical condition may influence the effect of Zovirax. Inform your physicain of any other medical problems you have, especially dehydration or kidney disease, and whether you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to Acyclovir, ganciclovir, or valacyclovir. In addition, inform your physicain of any other allergies you may have, such as allergies to foods, sulfites or other preservatives, or dyes. For pregnant women: Zovirax has been used by pregnant women without harmful results to the baby; however, it has not been established as safe for pregnant women. If you are pregnant, talk to your physicain abour your options before you take Zovirax. For breast-feeding women: Zovirax passes into breast milk, but it has not been reported to cause harm in nursing babies. Age: Zovirax seems to affect children in the same way that it does adults. Zovirax has been used in the elderly without special problems. However, some of the side effects involving the central nervous system, for example, agitation, confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness, may be more severe in older adults.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a research-based pharmaceutical company with headquarters in the UK and the US and around 100,000 employees worldwide. GlaxoSmithKline was formed in 2000 through the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham, pharmaceuticals companies with histories of over 150 years.