Zovirax is one of the most commonly used prescription medications to treat shingles, which is a condition caused by the herpes zoster virus. Zovirax is widely but what is not known by many is that it is the medication that really changed antiviral therapy because this is a medication that has very low cytotoxicity. In fact, in 1988 a Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded in part for the development of acyclovir, which is the scientific name for brand name Zovirax.
Interestingly, this prescription medication is indicated in the treatment of many different species in the herpes virus family. Zovirax is particularly useful in the treatment of Herpes simplex virus type I, herpes simples type II, varicella zoster virus, Epstein barr virus, and cytomegalovirus. The medication is available in many different doses and formulas. Aciclovir is offered in tablets of 200mg, 400mg, 800mg, and 1gram. It is also offered in a 5% topical cream, 25mg/mL intravenous injection, as well as a 3% ophthalmic ointment so that every patient will have a option that will suit their needs as well as their. generic Zovirax
Like all medications, Zovirax may be associated with some unintended side effects. These side effects may include sore throat, edema, coma, seizures, fatigue, hepatitis, hair loss, abdominal pain, rash, constipation, hallucinations, and dizziness. Other side effects may include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anorexia, agitation, vertigo, and confusion. Not all patients will experience any or all of these symptoms while others will. Patients should discuss side effects with their doctor as they occur to ensure that Zovirax is still the best course of treatment for their specific treatment indications.