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: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Zovirax Ointment (acyclovir ointment) is used to treat cold sores and genital herpes. Zovirax is an antiviral drug and is available in generic form. Common side effects include mild, temporary burning or stinging when applied.
Zovirax Ointment should be applied in sufficient quantity to adequately cover all lesions every 3 hours, 6 times per day for 7 days. The dose size varies depending upon the lesions. Before using Zovirax, tell your doctor if you are allergic to valacyclovir, another antiviral medication. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as polyethylene glycol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Our Zovirax Ointment Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.
What is Prescribing information?
The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.
ZOVIRAX (acyclovir) Ointment 5% is indicated in the management of initial genital herpes and in limited non-life-threatening mucocutaneous Herpes simplex virus infections in immunocompromised patients.
Read the complete drug monograph for Zovirax Ointment »
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.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as itching, swelling, or pain where the medicine is applied.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Read the complete patient information for Zovirax Ointment »
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 does not cure herpes or prevent the infection from coming back. Also, it does not prevent the spread of herpes to others.
Other antiviral medications taken by mouth may be more eff...
Read the complete consumer information for Zovirax Ointment »
Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Zovirax Ointment 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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