Zovirax (Acyclovir)

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Zovirax Dispersible Tablet

Manufacturer: GSK

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 200 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Zovirax

Manufacturer: Brand

Country: India

Dosage: 400 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Zovirax

Manufacturer: Brand

Country: India

Dosage: 800 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Zovirax

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Acyclovir Ophthalmic Ointment

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 3 %/5 gm

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Acyclovir Ophthalmic Ointment

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: New Zealand

Dosage: 3 %/4.5 gm

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Acyclovir

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 200 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Acyclovir

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 200 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Acyclovir Dispersible Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: New Zealand

Dosage: 200 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Acyclovir

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 400 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Acyclovir Dispersible Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 400 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Acyclovir

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 800 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Acyclovir

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 800 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Zovirax Information

medically reviewed by Dr. HaVy Ngo, Pharmacist on August 21, 2025.

Zovirax and Acyclovir at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

The brand name for the antiviral drug acyclovir, Zovirax, is manufactured by GSK and is available in many countries, including the United Kingdom and India. The same active ingredient is also sold under different brand names, such as Acivir.

Generic acyclovir is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturers of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important information about Generic Acyclovir

Generic acyclovir contains the same active ingredients as brand-name Zovirax and is required to meet the same safety, effectiveness, and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Zovirax. Studies have shown that generic acyclovir is bioequivalent to brand-name Zovirax, meaning it has a similar absorption rate and reaches similar concentration levels in the bloodstream. However, individual responses to medication can vary due to factors such as metabolism, genetics, and other health conditions.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, you can visit the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts.

Dosage:

The brand Zovirax and generic acyclovir are available as oral tablets in the strengths of:
• 200 mg (some formulations may be dispersible tablets)
• 400 mg (some formulations may be dispersible tablets)
• 800 mg

The ophthalmic ointment formulation of acyclovir is available only as a brand-name product, Zovirax Ophthalmic Ointment. The standard strength is 3%, which is equivalent to 30 mg of acyclovir per 1 gram of ointment. The ointment is available in various tube sizes, including 4.5 g and 5 g.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical conditions.

Usage:

Zovirax (acyclovir) is an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus family. This includes common conditions such as cold sores (herpes labialis), genital herpes, shingles (herpes zoster), and chickenpox (varicella). This medication can decrease the severity and length of these outbreaks. Zovirax will help the sores heal faster, prevent new sores from forming, and reduce pain and itching. This medication may also help reduce the duration of pain after the sores heal. Acyclovir can also reduce the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of the body and causing serious infections in individuals with a weakened immune system.

Mechanism of Action:
Zovirax (acyclovir) works in a precise way to fight the herpes viruses. When you take the medication, it remains inactive primarily until it enters cells infected with the herpes virus. Inside these infected cells, a special enzyme from the virus itself activates Zovirax. Once activated, Zovirax transforms into its working form, which then interferes with the virus's ability to copy its DNA. Essentially, it acts like a faulty building block that prevents the virus from replicating, thereby halting the spread of the infection and allowing your body to recover.

Take Zovirax exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Zovirax, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below outlines potential side effects of Zovirax (acyclovir). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Common side effects – The following are some common side effects of Zovirax; however, other side effects may occur. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue (feeling unwell)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rash (for topical forms, application site reaction, burning, stinging, itching)
• Vomiting

Other Potential Side Effects (less common):
• Abdominal pain
• Agitation
• Anorexia (loss of appetite)
• Constipation
• Cracking or dryness of lips
• Decreased frequency of urination
• Drowsiness
• Dry skin
• Eye irritation or burning
• Eye sensitivity to light
• Flakiness of skin
• Flushing or redness of the skin
• Hair loss (diffuse)
• Itching (widespread)
• Leg pain
• Local inflammation at the injection site
• Mood changes
• Muscle pain
• Numbness or tingling of hands or feet
• Pain in the gums
• Skin irritation at the application site (for buccal tablet)
• Sore throat
• Sores, ulcers, or white spots on the tongue or inside the mouth
• Swelling (edema, e.g., hands, feet, ankles)
• Taste disturbance
• Tiredness (unusual)
• Unusually warm skin
• Vertigo (spinning sensation)
• Weakness

Serious Side Effects: These are rare but potentially severe side effects. Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following:
• Allergic reactions (e.g., hives, severe rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis)
• Blood disorders (e.g., anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura [TTP], hemolytic uremic syndrome [HUS])
• Changes in vision
• Coma
• Confusion
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Difficulty speaking
• Hallucinations
• Hepatitis
• Impaired consciousness
• Kidney injury (e.g., acute renal failure, decreased urine output, blood in urine, renal pain, swelling of ankles/feet/hands)
• Liver problems (e.g., elevated liver enzymes, jaundice)
• Psychotic symptoms
• Severe skin reactions (e.g., blistering, peeling rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Tremors

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting Zovirax, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do NOT Take Zovirax If:
• You have a known hypersensitivity or a severe allergic reaction to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any component of the specific Zovirax formulation.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before taking Zovirax. This is crucial because certain conditions can affect whether Zovirax is right for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• Dehydration: Adequate hydration is essential, especially with oral or intravenous acyclovir, as dehydration can increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Immunocompromised State: While Zovirax is often used in immunocompromised patients, your doctor should monitor your response to treatment and watch for signs of viral resistance.
• Kidney Problems: Zovirax is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. Impaired kidney function can lead to a buildup of the medication in your body and a higher risk of side effects.
• Neurological Symptoms: If you experience neurological symptoms such as confusion, agitation, or hallucinations, especially if you are elderly or have kidney impairment.
• Older Adults (over 65 years): Elderly patients are at an increased risk of kidney impairment and neurological side effects, so careful monitoring is necessary.
• Use on Mucous Membranes (for topical cream/ointment): Zovirax cream/ointment is for external use only and should not be applied to the eye or inside the mouth, nose, or vagina, as its safety for these areas is not established.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Zovirax, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, please visit the official product monograph from GSK Canada at https://ca.gsk.com/media/6230/zovirax.pdf.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, recreational drugs, and any significant dietary changes you are making, as these may interact with Zovirax. Zovirax may interact with other medicines, but is not limited to:
• Drugs that Compete for Kidney Elimination: Other drugs that use the same elimination pathway in the kidneys as acyclovir can lead to increased acyclovir levels in the blood. Examples include probenecid (used for gout) and mycophenolate mofetil (an immunosuppressant).
• Nephrotoxic Drugs: Combining Zovirax with other medications known to harm the kidneys (e.g., certain antibiotics, antivirals, or chemotherapy agents) can increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Talimogene Laherparepvec (T-VEC): Acyclovir may interfere with the effectiveness of this oncolytic viral therapy, and concurrent use is generally not recommended.
• Theophylline: Zovirax may increase the blood levels of theophylline (used for asthma), which could lead to increased side effects of theophylline.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is essential to discuss the use of Zovirax with your doctor. While extensive studies on the use of acyclovir during pregnancy are limited, the medication should only be used if your doctor determines the benefits of treating the infection outweigh any potential risks to the baby. For breastfeeding mothers, acyclovir does pass into breast milk in small amounts after oral use. While this is generally considered low-risk, your doctor will help you carefully weigh this against the need for treatment to ensure the safest approach for both you and your baby.

Use in Children

Zovirax is commonly used in children to treat a variety of infections caused by the herpes virus, including chickenpox (varicella), shingles, and herpes simplex (e.g., cold sores). The medication is available in several forms, such as an oral suspension for younger children who have difficulty swallowing, as well as tablets and intravenous formulations. The dosage is carefully determined by a doctor based on the child's age, weight, and the type and severity of the infection. Given these factors, the use of Zovirax in children should always be guided by a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zovirax at Canada Pharmacy Online:

Why is Zovirax more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Zovirax, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs compared to the U.S., where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is dedicated to providing you with the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784 for more information or to learn about the ordering process. Visit our How to Order page for details.

Is there a limit on the number of Zovirax tablets I can order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Zovirax at one time, as per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy Zovirax over the counter from you?

No, Zovirax requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Zovirax?

Yes, there is a generic alternative for this product, known as acyclovir.

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Latest News:

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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