Description

Valtrex (Valacyclovir) Zovirax (Acyclovir) is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching and promotes healing.

Manufacturer: Cipla		Average Delivery Time: 12 Days
Brand Name: Valtrex, Zovirax		Exp. Date: Approx. March 2009

What Is Acyclovir?
Acyclovir (Zovirax®) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:

Shingles
Genital herpes
Chickenpox.

This article focuses on the oral forms of acyclovir.

(For information on other forms, click Zovirax Cream or Zovirax Ointment.)

(Click What Is Acyclovir Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is made by GlaxoSmithKline.

How Does Acyclovir Work?
Shingles, genital herpes, and chickenpox are caused by viruses. Once a person has been infected with one of these viruses, it never goes away. It remains inactive in certain nerve cells of the body, waiting to become active again. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that helps the body fight the infection. It does this by preventing the virus from multiplying.

Effects of Acyclovir
Several studies have examined how well acyclovir treats shingles, genital herpes, and chickenpox.

Shingles
In studies looking at acyclovir for shingles, the drug helped shingles lesions to heal faster and helped reduce pain. It also helped to prevent nerve pain associated with shingles. Studies suggested that acyclovir was more effective when started within the first 48 hours after symptoms appeared and worked better in people over 50 years old.

INDICATIONS

Herpes Zoster Infections: ZOVIRAX is indicated for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).

Genital Herpes: ZOVIRAX is indicated for the treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes.

Chickenpox: ZOVIRAX is indicated for the treatment of chickenpox (varicella).
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Acute Treatment of Herpes Zoster: 800 mg every 4 hours orally, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days.

Genital Herpes: Treatment of Initial Genital Herpes: 200 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 10 days.

Chronic Suppressive Therapy for Recurrent Disease: 400 mg 2 times daily for up to 12 months, followed by re-evaluation. Alternative regimens have included doses ranging from 200 mg 3 times daily to 200 mg 5 times daily.

The frequency and severity of episodes of untreated genital herpes may change over time. After 1 year of therapy, the frequency and severity of the patient's genital herpes infection should be reevaluated to assess the need for continuation of therapy with ZOVIRAX.

Intermittent Therapy: 200 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 5 days. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom (prodrome) of recurrence.

Treatment of Chickenpox

Children (2 years of age and older): 20 mg/kg per dose orally 4 times daily (80 mg/kg/day) for 5 days. Children over 40 kg should receive the adult dose for chickenpox.

Adults and Children over 40 kg: 800 mg 4 times daily for 5 days.