Chickenpox is a common childhood skin disease caused by a viral infection. The virus involved is called the varicella-zoster virus. Today, chickenpox is less common in the United States due to universal vaccination with the varicella virus vaccine, though it still occurs in populations that are not routinely vaccinated. Varicella-zoster virus is often categorized with the other common so-called "viral exanthems" (viral rashes) such as measles (rubeola), German measles (rubella), fifth disease (parvovirus B19), mumps virus, and roseola (human herpesvirus 6), but these viruses are unrelated except for their tendency to cause rashes.
In unimmunized populations, most people contract chickenpox by age 15, the majority between ages 5 and 9, but all ages can contract it. Chickenpox is usually more severe in adults and very young infants than children. Winter and spring are the most common times of the year for chicke...
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Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Zovirax (acyclovir) is a synthetic nucleoside analogue that interferes with the replication of herpes viruses. Zovirax is used to treat shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. Acyclovir is the name of the available generic. Side effects of Zovirax include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and malaise.
Zovirax tablets are available in 200, 400 and 800 mg strengths and as a liquid suspension with 200 mg strength per 5 ml. Usual doses are 800 mg every 4 hours, 5 times a day for 10 days for shingles; doses for genital herpes infection are the same interval but start with 200 mg. Doses for chickenpox is the same as shingles except it goes for only 5 days for adults; for children ages 2 and up are weight based (20 mg per Kg) up to 40 Kg, 5 times a day for 5 days. Over 40 Kg, the person gets the adult dose for 5 days. Serious side effects of Zovirax include renal function problem. There are no good studies on pregnant women. Zovirax may be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Caution is advised with use of Zovirax in women who are breastfeeding since the drug is secreted in breast milk. Safety and efficacy has not been studied in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years.
Our Zovirax Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases, and conditions.
What is Prescribing information?
The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.
Herpes Zoster Infections: ZOVIRAX (acyclovir) is indicated for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
Genital Herpes: ZOVIRAX (acyclovir) is indicated for the treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes.
Chickenpox: ZOVIRAX (acyclovir) is indicated for the tr eatment of chickenpox (varicella).
Read the complete drug monograph for Zovirax »
Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More
What is Patient information?
Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
Less serious side effects may include:
Read the complete patient information for Zovirax »
Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More
What is Consumer information?
A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.
This medication is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks, acyclovir is used to help reduce the number of future episodes.
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. However, it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks. Acyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks....
Read the complete consumer information for Zovirax »
Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Zovirax sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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