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How to Use
Your medication should not be shared with others, and the prescribed dose should not be exceeded. You can take Zovirax with or without food.
Zovirax ointment should not be used in or near th
e eyes. To reduce the risk of spreading the infection, use a rubber glove to apply the ointment.
Zovirax cream should not be used in or near the eyes, or inside the nose or mouth. The medica
tion can, however, be applied on the outside of the lips. Apply the cream with your fingers to clean, dry skin. Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying Zovirax cream, and avoid bathing or
swimming afterward to prevent it from washing off. Do not cover the cold sore with a bandage or make-up unless your doctor approves.
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Overdosage
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sluggishness, change in amount of urine, loss of consciousness, or se
izures.
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Precautions while Using this Medicine
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
The areas affected by herpes, chickenpox, or shingles should be kept as clean and dry as po
ssible. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the sores (blisters).
It is important to remember that Zovirax will not keep you from spreading herpes to others.
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How to Use
Your medication should not be shared with others, and the prescribed dose should not be exceeded. You can take Zovirax with or without food.
Zovirax ointment should not be used in or near th
e eyes. To reduce the risk of spreading the infection, use a rubber glove to apply the ointment.
Zovirax cream should not be used in or near the eyes, or inside the nose or mouth. The medica
tion can, however, be applied on the outside of the lips. Apply the cream with your fingers to clean, dry skin. Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying Zovirax cream, and avoid bathing or
swimming afterward to prevent it from washing off. Do not cover the cold sore with a bandage or make-up unless your doctor approves.
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What is this Drug
Zovirax (ay-SYE-kloe-veer) belongs to the family of medicines called antivirals. Antivirals are used to treat infections caused by viruses. Usually they work for only one kind or group of virus infect
ions.
Topical Zovirax is used to treat the symptoms of herpes simplex virus infections of the skin, mucous membranes, and genitals (sex organs). Although topical Zovirax will not cure herpes
simplex, it may help relieve the pain and discomfort and may help the sores (if any) heal faster. Topical Zovirax may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Zovirax
is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Topical
Cream (Canada)
Ointment (U.S. and Canada)
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
It is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Carmustine (e.g., BiCNU) or
- Cisplatin (e.g., Platinol) or
- Combination pa
in 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
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