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Significant Interactions:
It is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Carmustine (e.g., BiCNU) or
- Cisplatin (e.g., Platinol) or
- Combination pa
in medicine containing acetaminophen and aspirin (e.g., Excedrin) or other salicylates or
- Cyclosporine (e.g., Sandimmune) or
- Deferoxamine (e.g., Desferal) (with long-term use) or
-
Gold salts (medicine for arthritis) or
- Inflammation or pain medicine, except narcotics, or
- Lithium (e.g., Lithane) or
- Methotrexate (Mexate) or
- Other medicine for infection
or
- Penicillamine (e.g., Cuprimine) or
- Plicamycin (e.g., Mithracin) or
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Before Taking This Medicine
Pregnancy¡XTopical Zovirax has not been studied in pregnant women. However, this medicine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies using mice, rats, or rabbits, ex
ept when given in very high doses in a study using rats.
Breast-feeding¡XIt is not known whether topical Zovirax passes into the breast milk. However, Zovirax ointment has not been reported t
cause problems in nursing babies, even though small amounts of topical Zovirax are absorbed through the mother's skin and mucous membranes. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amou
nts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding.
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What side effects may occur?
Parenteral:
1. Renal toxicity; precipitation of Zovirax crystals can occur in renal tubules if the maximum solubility of free Zovirax (2.5mg/ml at 37?C in water) is exceeded or if the drug is give
n by bolus injection. Serum creatinine and BUN rise and creatinine clearance decreases.
2. Encephalopathic changes: Approximately 1% of patients receiving IV Zovirax manifested encephalopathic cha
nges characterized by lethargy, obtundation, tremors, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, seizures or coma.
3. Other: transient elevation of serum creatinine; rash or hives; diaphoresis; hematur
ia; hypotension; headache and nausea; thrombocytosis.
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How should this medicine be used?
If you are using tablets, capsules, or liquid, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.
If you are using ointment,
apply it as soon as you remember and apply further doses at your regular interval (e.g., every 3 hours) until you go to bed.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of either the ointment or oral medication to make up for a missed one.
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Symptoms of overdose may include:
Zovirax is generally safe. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Zovirax overdose
may include:
- Agitation, kidney failure, lethargy, coma, seizures
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How to Use
Your medication should not be shared with others, and the prescribed dose should not be exceeded. You can take Zovirax with or without food.
Zovirax ointment should not be used in or near th
e eyes. To reduce the risk of spreading the infection, use a rubber glove to apply the ointment.
Zovirax cream should not be used in or near the eyes, or inside the nose or mouth. The medica
tion can, however, be applied on the outside of the lips. Apply the cream with your fingers to clean, dry skin. Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying Zovirax cream, and avoid bathing or
swimming afterward to prevent it from washing off. Do not cover the cold sore with a bandage or make-up unless your doctor approves.
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