Side Effects
as reported by "The PDR® Family Guide To Prescription Drugs®"
Why is this drug prescribed:
Zovirax liquid, capsules, and tablets, are used in the treatment of certain
infections with herpes viruses. These include genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox.
This drug may not be appropriate for everyone, and its use should be thoroughly discussed
with your doctor. Zovirax ointment is used to treat initial episodes of genital herpes and
certain herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes.
Some doctors use Zovirax, along with other drugs, in the
treatment of AIDS, and for unusual herpes infections such as those following kidney and
bone marrow transplants.
Most important fact about this drug:
Zovirax does not cure herpes. However, it does reduce pain and may help the sores
caused by herpes to heal faster. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. To
avoid infecting your partner, forgo intercourse and other sexual contact when visible
lesions are present.
More common side effects may include:
Confusion, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, fluid retention, general
feeling of bodily discomfort, gland enlargement in the groin, hair loss, hallucinations,
headache, hives, itching, muscle pain, nausea, pain, skin rash, sleepiness, stomach and
intestinal problems, visual abnormalities, vomiting
Less common side effects may include: Abdominal pain, anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), diarrhea,
dizziness, fatigue, gas, headache, inability to sleep, leg pain, loss of appetite,
medicinal taste, rash, retention of fluid, sore throat, tingling or pins and needles,
vomiting, weakness
Common side effects of Zovirax ointment may
include:
Burning, itching, mild pain, skin rash, stinging vaginal inflammation
Special warnings about this medication:
If you are being treated for a kidney disorder, consult your doctor before taking
Zovirax.
Although decreased sperm count has been reported in animals
given high doses of Zovirax, this effect has not been documented to occur in humans.
The "PHYSICIAN'S DESK
REFERENCE®", and PDR® are registered trademarks owned by Medical Economics.
