The active ingredient in this medicine is aciclovir, which is an antiviral agent. Propylene glycol can cause irritation of the skin. Zovirax is an antiviral medicine available in the form of a 2 g tube or pump and is prescribed for the treatment of viral infections such as cold sores. Cold sore is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus lies dormant in the nerve cells of your lips and surrounding skin. Cold sores are infectious and they spread by physical contact, sharing the same utensils or the same towel, etc. The virus can stay in the nerve junction indefinitely and hence, it is important to treat it completely using an antiviral medicine.
Using Zovirax should be avoided in case you are allergic to any of the above ingredients. It should not be used inside your mouth, in the genital area, for any other skin infection other than a cold sore. Your doctor has to be consulted if you have doubts about your cold sore, if it gets very severe, or are taking any alternate medication.
When you see the side effects like Allergic reactions causing swelling of face, lips, and throat, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
The doctor must be consulted if any of the following side-effects become severe. - Mild burning after application - Redness - Itching - Mild drying - Skin rashes - Hives - Weals
Zorax has to be applied at the first indications of cold sores, which can be a tingling sensation or itching.
Zorax has to be applied liberally for five times a day for four days. In case the sores are not healed, the treatment can be continued for ten days.
If a dose is forgotten, apply immediately after you remember it and continue the treatment as before.
If the sores have not been healed completely even after ten days or if they get worse, the doctor may be contacted immediately. Never share your Zovirax with others even if they have similar symptoms. Dosage above the recommended dose has to be avoided.
Always wash your hands carefully before and after applying Zovirax. Touching a cold sore must be avoided and in case you touch it, the hand or fingers must be washed immediately to avoid spreading. The cream should not be swallowed and it must be kept away from your eyes.
Zovirax has an antiviral agent acyclovir as its active ingredient. Aciclovir directly interacts with the herpes simplex virus and through some chemical actions, incorporates itself into the viral DNA chain. Aciclovir is known to be active against some other viruses too from the same family. As the sores are infectious, the treatment has to be started immediately to prevent spreading the virus.
