ACYCLOVIR OINTMENT - TOPICAL
Common Brand Name(s): Zovirax
Phonetic Pronunciation: (ay-SYE-kloe-vir)
Information last revised July 2010
What does ACYCLOVIR OINTMENT - TOPICAL look like?
Zovirax 5 % Ointment
Zovirax 5 % Ointment
Uses:
This medication is used to treat genital herpes, herpes infections of the skin, and oral herpes (i.e., cold sores). This medication does not cure herpes, but relieves the pain and may help the infection clear faster.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Begin using acyclovir as soon as symptoms of a herpes infection appear. For external use only. Clean and dry the affected areas before applying the medication. Apply to all sores as prescribed, usually every 3 hours, 6 times a day for 7 days, or as directed by your doctor. Apply enough ointment to adequately cover all sores. Do not use more often or for longer than prescribed. Use a finger cot or rubber gloves when applying to avoid spreading the infection. Avoid applying in the eyes. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 7 days of therapy.
Drug Interactions
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Avoid sexual activity while signs and symptoms of genital herpes are present to prevent infecting your partner. Do not share this medication with others. Wear loose-fitting clothing over your herpes sores to keep from irritating them.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
Precautions
Before using acyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to valacyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as polyethylene glycol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Avoid breastfeeding if you have herpes sores on or near your breast.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
This medication may cause burning, stinging and redness. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
