How fast does zovirax ointment work

You should also avoid drinking alcohol while using the medication. Drinking will increase the concentration of the medication within your body. Any negative side effects may increase in severity with the consumption of alcohol. It also may cause dizziness or fainting.

Acyclovir may be taken by children as an antiviral medication. Using a topical solution like Zovirax may prove to have less potential side effects for young children. Should you want to utilize the latest technology and shorten the healing time to just 3 days, give the Virulite Cold Sore Device a try. If you choose to use Zovirax to heal your fever blisters, it is a practical solution.

Far too often, cold sore creams and ointments come in bottles or tubes that can create messes. More of the medication ends up oozing out of the bottle or spreading too thin on the sore than penetrating the skin. Zovirax comes in an easy-to-use bottle with a pump. You can get the amount you need and apply it to the blister. The size of the bottle makes it convenient to use, too. Outbreaks can occur at any time.

This bottle can fit in your purse, suitcase, etc. There are dozens of over the counter and prescription cold sore treatment options on the market. Some are oral, some are topical, just like the options here. What makes acyclovir the best for current and future outbreaks? The biggest drawback in using Zovirax is that you have to apply it consistently, every few hours. This might not be a problem for some people, but to others, it can be seen as an inconvenience.

Plus, it only takes four days of treatment to be effective. What makes acyclovir so great is that it works on outbreaks from the inside out. Even Zovirax, as a topical solution, is designed to help weaken the herpes simplex virus. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. If someone swallows topical acyclovir, call your local poison control center at If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at Do not let anyone else use your medication.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Acyclovir Topical pronounced as ay sye' kloe veer. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?

What side effects can this medication cause? What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names Brand names of combination products Other names. To use acyclovir cream, follow these steps: Wash your hands. Clean and dry the area of skin where you will be applying the cream.

Apply a layer of cream to cover the skin where the cold sore has formed or seems likely to form. Rub the cream into the skin until it disappears. Leave the skin where you applied the medication uncovered. Do not apply a bandage or dressing unless your doctor tells you that you should.

Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any cream left on your hands. Be careful not to wash the cream off of your skin. Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying acyclovir cream. Avoid irritation of the cold sore area while using acyclovir cream. Nursing mothers who have active herpetic lesions near or on the breast should avoid nursing.

Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. In all studies, there was no significant difference between the drug and placebo group in the rate or type of reported adverse reactions nor were there any differences in abnormal clinical laboratory findings. Data are insufficient to support an estimate of their incidence or to establish causation.

These events may also occur as part of the underlying disease process. Voluntary reports of adverse events that have been received since market introduction include:. Apply sufficient quantity to adequately cover all lesions every 3 hours, 6 times per day for 7 days. The dose size per application will vary depending upon the total lesion area but should approximate a one-half inch ribbon of ointment per 4 square inches of surface area.

A finger cot or rubber glove should be used when applying ZOVIRAX to prevent autoinoculation of other body sites and transmission of infection to other persons.

Therapy should be initiated as early as possible following onset of signs and symptoms. It is supplied as follows:. Manufactured by: Bausch Health Companies Inc. Each gram contains : 50 mg acyclovir in a polyethylene glycol base. Skin: Pruritus, rash. Ortho Dermatologics Rx only.