Zovirax

Zovirax Cream (Acyclovir) 5% is an antiviral medication, a synthetic analogue of thymidine nucleoside. In the infected cells, containing viral thymidine kinase, the process of phosphorylation occurs; as a result acyclovir is converted into acyclovir monophosphate. Affected by acyclovir guanylate cyclase, monophosphate is converted into a diphosphate, and under the influence of several cell enzymes – further on into a triphosphate. Highly selective action and low toxicity are associated with the lack of the enzyme, required for acyclovir triphosphate to be generated in the intact cells of the body.

Acyclovir triphosphate integrates into the DNA, synthesized by the virus, and blocks the replication of the virus. Specificity and selectivity of Zovirax are also attributed to its accumulation mostly in the cells, affected by the herpes virus. The medication is highly active against Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2; the virus causing chickenpox and shingles (Varicella zoster); Epstein-Barr virus (the viruses are listed in the order of increase in the minimal inhibitory concentration of Zovirax). Zovirax is moderately active against cytomegalovirus.

Zovirax prevents new sores from forming, decreases the chances of skin dissemination and visceral complications, facilitates the crusting of the sores, and reduces pain in the acute phase of the shingles. Treatment with Zovirax has an immunostimulating effect.

Zovirax Cream is a topical medication. It is applied to the affected areas 4-6 times a day (as soon as possible after the infection developed). It is important so start the treatment of the recurring infection either in the prodromal phase or in the very early stages of the infection.

The duration of treatment should be at least five days, but shouldn`t exceed ten days.

Potential side effects caused by the topical application of Zovirax may include skin tenderness, burning, itching, or rash, and vulvitis.

It is not recommended to apply Zovirax Cream on mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes, and vagina.

Zovirax Cream is effective to prevent future outbreaks of herpes labialis (cold sores).

The efficiency of Zovirax treatment is the higher, the earlier it has been started (preferably, at the first signs of infection).

The condition of the immune system is relevant to the achievement of the therapeutic effect of the medication. Patients with compromised immune system function (HIV/AIDS or bone-marrow transplantation) as well as with sever and recurrent herpetic infection need to be prescribed systemic administration in combination with the topical application of the medication.

A 1.25cm strip of Zovirax Cream has to be spread over 25cm2 of the affected skin area. To prevent autoinoculation to other areas of the skin use finger cots or rubber gloves to apply the cream.

The medication does not prevent sexual transmission of the infection, that is why in the course of treatment with Zovirax it is necessary to refrain from sexual contacts even when there`s no clinical signs of the infection.