Drug Uses
The brand name for acyclovir, Zovirax is widely used as an antiviral drug. The drug works wonders on long-term nagging diseases like Herpes. Zovirax lessens the malignant growth and spreading speed of the herpes virus. As a result helps immunes the body better to combat the pain and rapid growth of this infection. Zovirax is also found to be highly effective in reducing the agonizing symptoms of these killing infections. This drug with its balanced composition cuts short the duration of ailment due to this infection. Zovirax is widely acclaimed by doctors & patients for its magical curing power of some major diseases caused by herpes viruses, like genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox. This anti viral, however, doesn't help patients with common cold. Apart from these, the effect of Zovirax looms large on other diseases as well.

Side Effects
The most prominent side effects of Zovirax taken, as injections, are pain followed by swelling and redness near the point of injection. During the nascent period of usage, patients are sure to have diarrhea, headache, abdominal or stomach pain, irregular urination, increased thirst, stomach upset, nausea, fatigue. These side effects however lessen with time. Side effects like black stools, blood in urine or stool, sudden sever with fever and sore throat, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, unusual bleeding or bruising are also seen to have surfaced in Zovirax users. Although not found quite often Zovirax has been responsible for bleeding or oozing from puncture sites or mucous membranes, peeling, or loosening of skin, bluish coloring, especially of the hands and feet, blurred and altered vision, breathing trouble, increased heartbeat, irritability etc. Cases with side effects like itching or skin rash; large hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs, fluctuating mood, muscle cramps, white spots in mouth or on lips, swelling of eyelids, face, feet, hands, lower legs or lips, swollen, painful, or tender lymph nodes (glands) in neck, armpit, or groin. There may be other side effects of Zovirax as well. Consult a doctor immediately if any of the above mentioned side effects occur or if you found uncomfortable after using the drug.

Precautions
It is always recommended to see a doctor before taking in Zovirax. Your attending physician should be made aware if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir . Don't even think of taking in Zovirax if you have chronic kidney problems, dehydration or nervous system problems. Zovirax is known to aggravate side effects more in such cases. Zovirax is however tested on pregnant rats & rabbits and proved to be safe. No case of adverse effect on pregnant women has been reported so far. This anti viral drug passes into breast milk. The drug had already been tested on children with neutral results.

Overdose
It goes without saying that Zovirax is one of the most powerful anti viral drugs available in the market. But special care needs to be taken to take the right dose in order to get the best benefits. Your physician is the best judge, however, to prescribe the right dose for you. So far no fatal consequences due to overdose of Zovirax has been reported. However, the most common symptoms of overdose are seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage. Rush for immediate medical help as soon as make out that an overdose of Zovirax has been taken in.

And what if you missed a dose?
Just take in the dose as soon as you remember. But if it is already time for the next dose the just skip the missed dose and take in the scheduled one. However keep in mind that proper dose needs to be taken on a scheduled time in order to get the best out of this drug.

Usage Guidelines
Rely totally on your attending physician for the best usage guidelines. However for common knowledge remember that Zovirax should be taken with a full glass of water. Although doctors don't restrict taking Zovirax without food, but when taken with food Zovirax reduces stomach upset. Also don't forget to use a good dose- measuring device in order to take in the right and accurate dose.

Storage
keep Zovirax at room temperature away from heat and moisture to get the best results.