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![]() Side Effects of ZoviraxPatients with oral or genital herpes should learn about the side effects of Zovirax before filling a prescription.
Acyclovir, or Zovirax, is an antiviral drug. It works by decreasing the length and severity of herpes outbreaks, helping sores and blisters to heal faster, and reducing the pain and itching associated with herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. Unfortunately, Zovirax does not “cure” herpes. The herpes virus remains in the body forever. People with herpes can infect their partners and other people around them even between outbreaks. Before automatically filling a prescription for Zovirax, it is important to learn about the side effects of the drug. Knowing the side effects of Zovirax will help patients with oral and genital herpes make informed decisions about their health care.
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Most Common Side Effects of All Zovirax Treatments |
Visual changes |
Dizziness |
Nausea |
Drowsiness |
Sensitivity to sunlight |
Zovirax comes in a topical cream and ointment, as well as an oral capsule. Zovirax cream is usually used to treat oral herpes or cold sores. The most common side effects of Zovirax cream are:
Most Common Side Effects of Zovirax Cream |
Stinging or burning at the site of a herpes outbreak |
Dry or cracked lips |
Flaky skin |
Itchiness |
The most common side effects of Zovirax ointment occur at the outbreak site in genital herpes. They are:
Most Common Side Effect of Zovirax Ointment |
Swelling |
Burning or stinging |
Pain |
Itching |
When taken orally, the most common side effects of Zovirax are:
Most Common Side Effects of Zovirax Capsules |
Nausea and vomiting |
Diarrhea |
Headaches |
Body aches |
Serious side effects of Zovirax
A few people experience serious side effects from taking Zovirax. These more serious side effects of Zovirax are much less common than the side effects listed above. A trusted health care provider should be contacted if any of the following side effects occur:
Possible Serious Side Effects from Zovirax |
Rash, hives, or intense itching (urticaria) |
Swelling of the mouth or tongue |
Chest tightening |
Agitated or aggressive behavior |
Dark urine, blood in the urine, or painful urination |
Confusion or hallucinations |
Blacking out |
Back or stomach pain |
Zovirax capsules may also present these serious side effects:
Possible Serious Side Effects of Zovirax Capsules |
Mental or mood changes |
Red, swollen, blistering, or peeling skin |
Seizures |
Unusual bruising or bleeding |
Rare side effects of Zovirax
In addition to the above side effects of Zovirax, there have been reported cases of the following rare side effects of Zovirax:
Rare Side Effects of Zovirax |
Gagging |
Anorexia |
Kidney stones, kidney failure, and associated neurotoxicity |
Coma |
Major depression |
Stevens-Johnson syndrome |
Liver issues such as jaundice and hepatitis |
Anaphylactic shock |
Sources
Drugs.com, “Zorivax Side Effects
Acyclovir- informal, “Zorivax Side Effects”
Webmaster, “Drugs and medications: Zorivax Oral”