Zovirax Side Effects

What is Zovirax?

Zovirax is an antiviral medication generically known as acyclovir. Acyclovir is used to treat people suffering from the herpes virus by helping the body fight the infection. Acyclovir cannot cure herpes, but it does alleviate many of its symptoms. Zovirax is given for genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, chicken pox, and other illnesses caused by the herpes viruses. Zovirax can be used for other reasons. Consult a doctor for more information.

Potential for Abuse?

No information available.

Zovirax Side Effects

Serious Zovirax side effects:

• Allergic reaction: rashes, hives, and difficult breathing
• Less frequent or no urination
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Weakness
• Lower back pain
  

Less serious Zovirax side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Loss of hunger
• Stomach discomfort
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Swelling in extremities such as the hands and feet
  

This is not a complete list of Zovirax side effects. Consult your doctor for a full list.

Interesting Zovirax Tidbits

Here are some interesting facts about Zovirax

• The pharmacologist Gertrude B. Elion received a Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1988 in part for his work on the drug acyclovir.
• Zovirax has a half-life of 2-20 hours
• Acyclovir is also marketed as Cyclovir, Herpex, Acivir, and Zovir
• It is among the most used antiviral medications.
  

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