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Zovirax (aciclovir) drug is used to treat outbreaks of herpes simplex on the skin (mouth, lips, genitals), outbreaks of shingles (herpes zoster), and chickenpox. This medication may also be used to help prevent outbreaks of herpes in patients with frequent outbreaks.
Zovirax dosage in adults
Treatment of herpes simplex infections: 200 mg Zovirax should be taken five times daily at approximately four hourly intervals omitting the night time dose. Treatment should continue for 5 days, but in severe initial infections this may have to be extended.
In severely immunocompromised patients (e.g. after marrow transplant) or in patients with impaired absorption from the gut the dose can be doubled to 400 mg Zovirax or alternatively intravenous dosing could be considered. Dosing should begin as early as possible after the start of an infection; for recurrent episodes this should preferably be during the prodromal period or when lesions first appear.
Suppression of herpes simplex infections in immunocompetent patients: 200 mg Zovirax should be taken four times daily at approximately six-hourly intervals. Many patients may be conveniently managed on a regimen of 400 mg Zovirax twice daily at approximately twelve-hourly intervals. Dosage titration down to 200 mg Zovirax taken thrice daily at approximately eight-hourly intervals or even twice daily at approximately twelve-hourly intervals may prove effective. Some patients may experience break-through infection on total daily doses of 800 mg Zovirax. Therapy should be interrupted periodically at intervals of six to twelve months, in order to observe possible changes in the natural history of the disease.
Prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised patients: 200 mg Zovirax should be taken four times daily at approximately six-hourly intervals.
In severely immunocompromised patients (e.g. after marrow transplant) or in patients with impaired absorption from the gut, the dose can be doubled to 400 mg Zovirax, or alternatively, intravenous dosing could be considered. The duration of prophylactic administration is determined by the duration of the period at risk.
Treatment of varicella and herpes zoster infections: 800 mg Zovirax should be taken five times daily at approximately four-hourly intervals, omitting the night time dose. Treatment should continue for seven days.
In severely immunocompromised patients (e.g. after marrow transplant) or in patients with impaired absorption from the gut, consideration should be given to intravenous dosing. Dosing should begin as early as possible after the start of an infection: Treatment of herpes zoster yields better results if initiated as soon as possible after the onset of the rash. Treatment of chickenpox in immunocompetent patients should begin within 24 hours after onset of the rash.
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