Zovirax is a medication that can provide some measure of relief to those unfortunate to suffer from herpes, whether it be the genital (herpes simplex 2) or oral (herpes simplex 1) type, or from shingles (herpes zoster). These afflictions cause burning, itching, redness, blistering, and serious pain. Zovirax can provide some relief, and, if taken early enough, can milden or prevent an outbreak.
Zovirax, brand name of acyclovir
Indications
Acute treatment of herpes zoster, initial and recurrent genital herpes, and chickenpox
Dosage for adults
Herpes zoster: 800 mg 5 times a day for 7-10 days
Genital herpes: Initial outbreak: 200 mg 5 times a day for 10 days; chronic therapy: 400 mg twice daily
Chickenpox: 800 mg 4 times a day for 5 days
Ointment: apply to lesions 6 times daily for 7 days
Dosage for children
only for children 2 yrs old or more
less than 40 kg: 20 mg/kg 4 times daily for 5 days
more than 40 kg: 800 mg 4 times daily for 5 days
How supplied
200 mg capsules
400 mg and 800 mg tablets
200 mg/5 ml suspension
5% ointment, 3 gm tube, 15 gm tube
Additional Information
Pregnancy Category B
Date of most recent Update
18 September, 2002
Further information is available in the writeup for the
generic name(s) of this medication