Zovirax Tablets (Acyclovir) - Active Ingredient And Chemical structure
The active ingredient contained in Zovirax Tablets is Acyclovir . Acyclovir is a white, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 225. The maximum solubility in water at 37 °C is 2.5 mg/mL.The structure is shown below
Generic Forms and Brand names of Zovirax
Zovirax manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), India is an effective treatment for chickenpox (varicella) or shingles (herpes zoster) and treating or suppressing genital herpes infections. Zovirax which has the active ingredient Acyclovir is also sold as Cyclovir, Herpex, Acivirax, Zovir, Acyclovir, Aciclovir, Zelitrex, Valtrex, Acyclovir and under various other brand names.
Zovirax Tablets (Acyclovir) - Uses
Acyclovir in the form of Zovirax Tablets is used to treat Herpes Zoster Infections (shingles), for the treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes, treatment of chickenpox (varicella).
Zovirax Tablets - Contraindications
Zovirax is contraindicated in patients that have a hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir. Dosage adjustment is recommended when administering Zovirax tablets to patients with renal impairment.
Caution should also be exercised when administering Zovirax to patients receiving potentially nephrotoxic agents since this may increase the risk of renal dysfunction and/or the risk of reversible central nervous system symptoms
Zovirax Tablets - Preparations
Zovirax Tablets is available as tablets of 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg. Each 200 mg tablet of Zovirax contains 200 mg of acyclovir and the inactive ingredients magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and sodium starch glycolate.
Zovirax Tablets - Storage Requirements
Zovirax Tablets are to be stored at room temperature (15°C to 30°C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light.
Zovirax Tablets - Symptoms Of Overdosage
The Adverse effects due to that have been reported in association with overdosage due to ingestion of up to 100 capsules (20 g)include agitation, coma, seizures, and lethargy. In the event of acute renal failure and anuria, the patient may benefit from hemodialysis until renal function is restored.
Zovirax Tablets - Dosage
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. Intravenous Zovirax is indicated for the treatment of varicella-zoster infections in immunocompromised patients. When therapy is indicated, it should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of chickenpox.
Side Effects Of Zovirax Tablets
The most common side effects of Zovirax Tablets are were nausea,vomiting, diarrhea, headache and malaise.
Further Information
Additional Info: Prescribing Information
