Zovirax Cold Sore Cream

Uses
The active ingredient of Zovirax Cream (Acyclovir) 5% is the analogue of nucleoside thymidine. Its mechanism of action is the following: after getting into an infected cell, the viral enzyme of thymidine kinase brings about the transfer of acyclovir into acyclovir triphosphate that builds into the genetic material of the virus (the viral DNA) and prevents the genetic information reading (transcription), which leads to the transcription process (the generation and assembly of the new viral particles) blocking. Healthy non-infected cells do not contain thymidine kinase enzyme, therefore acyclovir is not converted into its triphosphate form and does not have any detrimental effect on the genetic material of the cell. The medication is most active against the viruses of herpes (Herpes simplex) and shingles (Varicella zoster). It is less effective against cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus.

When applied on the affected areas, the active ingredient of the cream is absorbed by the skin and mucous membranes in the areas of application. At the same time, acyclovir is not absorbed into the systemic blood flow.

Zovirax Cream is indicated to treat skin manifestations of various herpes infections, such as:

• Herpes with eruptions on the skin around lips, genitals, and other body areas.
• Shingles with the typical eruptions on the skin, corresponding to the innervation of the infected nerve. After applying Zovirax, the eruptions severity and pain intensity decrease.
• Chickenpox, the infectious viral process with the eruptions all over the body as small blister, filled with liquid.
  It is not recommended to apply Zovirax on the mucous membranes.

Dosage and Administration
Zovirax Cream is a topical medication. It is applied over the affected skin areas, which have elements of skin rash, indicating herpes infection. The medication can also be used in the areas of herpes labialis and genital herpes. The cream has to be applied five times a day, every four hours. The average duration of treatment is five days. If within this period there is no improvement in skin condition or decrease in rash intensity and severity, the treatment may be extended up to ten days.

Side effects
Zovirax Cream is generally well tolerated. It is related to the fact that the active ingredient is not absorbed into the systemic blood flow. Various skin allergic reactions may develop after the cream application, such as skin erythema (skin reddening), rash, itching, or hives. In rare conditions, Quincke’s angioedema may develop (significant skin and subcutaneous tissue swelling with the predominance in the areas of face and genitals). In case of side effects, the medication should be discontinued.

Precautions
Zovirax Cream application is counter indicated in case of intolerance to the active ingredient or any other components of the drug. It is also not recommended to apply the cream over the skin areas, affected by allergic reactions, which are mostly manifested as skin changes, such as rash, itching, or rash over the swollen skin, resembling nettle sting or urtication (hives).

Before you start using Zovirax Cream, it is important to read the insert. Please pay attention to the following precautions:

• Zovirax Cream must not be used to treat herpetic infection of the eye (herpes keratitis), there is a special pharmaceutical form – eye ointment.
• If there is no therapeutic effect, you need to consult a dermatologist or infectiologist to see if systemic antiviral medications have to be prescribed (oral administration in tablets).
• Zovirax Cream can be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women, because the active ingredient of the medication is not absorbed into the systemic blood flow.
• Zovirax Cream is an over-the-counter drug. However, in case of any doubts or questions consult your physician. In the course of the treatment of herpes labialis, the patient has to follow certain recommendations to avoid infecting healthy individuals (such as using personal tableware and hygiene items).