Description

ZOVIRAX 250MG VIAL

Indications / Uses : LTablet: Acyclovir (Zovirax) oral formulations are indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections of the skin and mucous membranes including initial and recurrent genital herpes.

Acyclovir (Zovirax) oral formulations are indicated for the suppression (prevention of recurrences) of recurrent herpes simplex infections in immune-competent patients. Acyclovir (Zovirax) oral formulations are indicated for the prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immune-compromised patients.

Acyclovir (Zovirax) oral formulations are indicated for the treatment of varicella infections (chicken-pox) and herpes zoster (shingles).

Studies have shown that early treatment of shingles with Acyclovir (Zovirax) has a beneficial effect on pain and can reduce the incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia (zoster-associated pain).

Acyclovir (Zovirax) oral formulations are indicated for the management of certain severely immunocompromised patients, namely those with advanced HIV disease (CD4+ counts <200/mm3, including patients with AIDS or severe ARC) or following bone marrow transplantation.

Studies have shown that oral Acyclovir (Zovirax) given in conjunction with antiretroviral therapy (mainly oral RETROVIR) reduced mortality in patients with advanced HIV disease and that oral Acyclovir (Zovirax) preceded by one month’s treatment with intravenous Acyclovir (Zovirax) reduced mortality in bone marrow transplant recipients. In addition, oral Acyclovir (Zovirax) provided effective prophylaxis for herpes virus disease.

Injection: Acyclovir (Zovirax) IV for infusion is indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex infections, prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immune-compromised patients, treatment of varicella zoster infections, herpes simplex infections in the neonate.

Administration : May be taken with or without food: May be taken w/ meals to reduce GI discomfort.

Contraindications : Hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir.

Special Precautions : Infusion: In patients receiving Zovirax IV for infusion at higher doses (eg, for herpes encephalitis), specific care regarding renal function should be taken, particularly when patients are dehydrated or have any renal impairment. Reconstituted Acyclovir Zovirax IV for infusion has a pH of approximately 11 and should not be administered by mouth.

Hydration Status: Tablet: Care should be taken to maintain adequate hydration in patients receiving high oral doses of acyclovir.

Renal Impairment: Tablet: Acyclovir is eliminated by renal clearance; therefore the dose must be reduced in patients with renal impairment (see Dosage & Administration).

Effects on the Ability to Drive or Operate Machinery: Tablet: The clinical status of the patient and the adverse event profile of Zovirax should be borne in mind when considering the patient’s ability to drive or operate machinery. There have been no studies to investigate the effect of acyclovir on driving performance or the ability to operate machinery. Further, a detrimental effect on such activities cannot be predicted from the pharmacology of the active substance.

Infusion: Zovirax IV for infusion is generally used in an in-patient hospital population and information on ability to drive and operate machinery is not usually relevant. There have been no studies to investigate the effect of acyclovir on driving performance or the ability to operate machinery.