Zovirax

What is Zovirax?

Zovirax comes as a cream or tablets and is used to help remove the visible symptoms of herpes and leave you with clear skin that’s free from discomfort. It’s not a cure for the herpes virus but can work to clear up the sores that show during an outbreak and speed up the healing process.

The cream is used to help treat cold sores (usually found on the face or mouth) whereas the tablets are more commonly used to treat genital herpes and can reduce the severity of an outbreak, as well as the frequency of recurring outbreaks.

How does Zovirax work?

The main ingredient in Zovirax is aciclovir, a common ingredient used to treat both cold sores and genital herpes. Aciclovir acts by inhibiting viral DNA replication, which helps to clear the visible sores and swelling caused by the virus along with preventing future outbreaks. It can also decrease the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of your body.

What doses of Zovirax are there?

There are different doses of Zovirax available, depending on the type and severity of your herpes outbreak. Our clinicians can talk to you about the best treatment and dose for your herpes, but the doses available are:

• Zovirax 200mg tablets - One dose of the tablet is available
• Zovirax Cream 200mg / 5ml - One bottle contains 125ml
• Zorivax Cream 0.05 - A cream containing 5% aciclovir, available in 2g or 10g tubes

How to take Zovirax

How you take Zovirax depends on whether you’re using the cream or taking tablets. Our clinicians can guide you on how to use it, and you can find full instructions in the package information leaflet that comes with your medication too. You should read through this before you start taking your treatment.

If you have Zovirax tablets, usually you should take one tablet five times per day for 3-5 days to treat a recurrent herpes outbreak. It works best when you first have an outbreak.

Zovirax cream can be applied, topically, five times per day around the area of the cold sore.

To take Zovirax tablets:

• Take one tablet five times per day for three to five days to treat a recurrent herpes outbreak.
• You can take your Zovirax tablets with or without food.

To use Zovirax cream:

• Apply the cream to the affected area five times per day.

How long does it take Zovirax to work?

The time it takes for Zovirax to work can vary, and it depends on how severe your herpes outbreak is. Treatment should be effective within five days of beginning your course. If your outbreak lasts longer than this despite using medication, you should send our clinician a message to get some advice.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Zovirax ?

If you make a mistake when you use Zovirax cream or Zovirax tablets there are some things you can do:

• if you miss a dose of Zovirax tablets, take it as soon as you remember but skip the missed dose if it’s nearly time for your next dose. Don’t take two doses at once
• if you take too many Zovirax tablets by mistake, seek emergency medical attention for guidance on what to do next
• if you forget to apply your Zovirax cream, apply it as normal (up to five times per day).

Medically reviewed by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

on August 02, 2022.

Meet Daniel