Acyclovir (Systemic)
Brand Names : Zovirax, Alti-Acyclovir, Avirax, Zovirax Wellstat Pac, Zovirax Zostab Pac, aciclovir
CategoryDescriptionAcyclovir (ay-SYE-kloe-veer) belongs to the family
of medicines called antivirals, which are used to treat infections caused
by viruses. Usually these medicines work for only one kind or group of virus
infections.
Acyclovir is used to treat the symptoms of chickenpox, shingles, herpes
virus infections of the genitals (sex organs), the skin, the brain, and mucous
membranes (lips and mouth), and widespread herpes virus infections in newborns.
Acyclovir is also used to prevent recurrent genital herpes infections. Although
acyclovir will not cure herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort
and helps the sores (if any) heal faster.
Acyclovir may also be used for other virus infections as determined by
your doctor. However, it does not work in treating certain virus infections,
such as the common cold.
Acyclovir is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following
dosage forms:
Oral
-
Capsules (U.S.)
-
Oral suspension (U.S. and Canada)
-
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Parenteral
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
In Canada -
- Alti-Acyclovir
- Avirax
- Zovirax
- Zovirax Wellstat Pac
- Zovirax Zostab Pac
Another commonly used name is aciclovir
.
|