Treatment of Chickenpox, Shingles and Genital Herpes using Generic Zovirax Tablets

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox (varicella) is a common illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most cases are in children under age 15, causes an itchy rash and red spots or blisters (pox) all over the body. It is most common in children, but most people will get chickenpox at some point in their lives if they have not had the chickenpox vaccine. It spreads very easily from one person to another through coughing or sneezing of sick individuals or through direct contact with secretions from the rash. A person with chickenpox is infectious one to two days before the rash appears.
After you have had chickenpox, you are not likely to get it again. But the virus stays in your body long after you get over the illness. If the virus becomes active again, it can cause a painful viral infection called a style="text-decoration:underline;color:#FF3300;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_zoster">shingles.

Generic Zovirax – Product Information

Generic Zovirax is used for the treatment of chickenpox (varicella) and for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles). It is also used for the for the treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of Genital Herpes.
The active ingredient present in Generic Zovirax is Aciclovir (or Acyclovir). Aciclovir is marketed under trade names such as Cyclovir, Herpex, Acivir, Acivirax, Zovirax, Zoral, and Xovir. It is one of the most commonly used antiviral drugs, it is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, as well as in the treatment of varicella zoster (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Zovirax tablets are manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) India and Generic Zovirax (Acivir Tablets) are manufactured by Cipla Ltd., India.

Generic Zovirax - Contraindications

Generic Zovirax is contraindicated in patients that have a hypersensitivity to Acyclovir or Valacyclovir or any inactive ingredient present in the product.

Generic Zovirax Tablets - Dosage

Zovirax (Aciclovir) comes as an oral tablet in 125 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg dosage forms. Among other side effects, Generic Zovirax Tablets (Aciclovir) may cause an upset stomach. The recommended adult Oral dosage of Generic Zovirax for adults is given below:
Dosage for Treatment of Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores) in Adults
For treatment of Herpes Simplex infections (Cold Sores or Fever Blisters), 200 mg Generic 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 may have to be extended. In severely immune-compromised patients (e.g. after marrow transplants) or in patients with impaired absorption from the gut, the dose can be doubled to 400 mg 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.

Dosage for Suppression of Herpes Simplex in Adults
For suppression of Herpes Simplex infections in immune-competent patients, 200mg Generic Zovirax should be taken four times daily at approximately six-hourly intervals. Many patients may be conveniently managed on a regimen of 400 mg Generic Zovirax taken twice daily at approximately twelve-hourly intervals. Dosage titration down to 200 mg Generic 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 breakthrough infections on total daily doses of 800 mg Generic 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.

Dosage for Prophylaxis of Herpes Simplex in Adults
For prophylaxis of Herpes Simplex infections in immune-compromised patients, 200 mg Generic Zovirax should be taken four times daily at approximately six-hourly intervals.

Dosage for Treatment of Herpes Zoster (Shingles) in Adults
For treatment of Herpes Zosterinfections (Shingles), 800 mg Generic Zovirax should be taken five times daily at approximately four-hourly intervals, omitting the night-time dose. Treatment should continue for seven days.

Dosage for Treatment of Genital Herpes in Adults:
Treatment of Initial Genital Herpes: 200 mg every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 10 days. Chronic Suppressive Therapy for Recurrent Disease: 400 mg 2 times daily for up to 12 months, followed by re-evaluation. Alternative regimens have included doses ranging from 200 mg 3 times daily to 200 mg 5 times daily.

Treatment of Chickenpox:
Children (2 years of age and older): 20 mg/kg per dose orally 4 times daily (80 mg/kg/day) for five days. Children over 40 kg should receive the adult dose for chickenpox. Adults and Children over 40 kg: 800 mg 4 times daily for five days.

Side Effects of Generic Zovirax

The most common side effects reported in patients treated with Generic Zovirax include Headache, dizziness, Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, Pruritus, rashes(including photosensitivity), Fatigue, fever.
The uncommon side effects include Urticaria, accelerated diffuse hair loss. Anaphylaxis, Dyspnoea, Reversible rises in bilirubin and liver related enzymes, Angioedema and Increases in blood urea and creatinine are among the rare side effects.
The extremely rare side effects include Acute renal failure, renal pain, Hepatitis, jaundice, Agitation, confusion, tremor, ataxia, dysarthria, hallucinations, psychotic symptoms, convulsions, somnolence, encephalopathy, coma Anaemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.

Generic Zovirax Tablets - More Details

For more details on Generic Zovirax tablets please watch the presentation below: