Zovirax
Aciclovir tablets for shingles and genital herpes. It stops the virus from reproducing, which helps the sores heal.
- Category
- Antivirals
- Active ingredient
- Aciclovir
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 200mg · 400mg · 800mg
Zovirax is the reference name. You receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength.
No prescription needed: we place your order for Zovirax on your behalf.
- Conditions
- Herpes Zoster · Genital Herpes Simplex · Varicella
- Alternative names
- acyclovir
- Therapeutic class
- Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
- Pharmacological class
- Antiviral
- Known off-label uses
- cytomegalovirus prophylaxis
- Contraindications
- severe hypersensitivity to acyclovir
- Minor side effects
- nausea; headache; vomiting
- Moderate side effects
- fatigue; diarrhoea; transient transaminase elevation
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Originator
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Onset Time
- 24–48 hours
- Duration
- 8–12 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- Probenecid; Tenofovir
- Age restrictions
- Approved for paediatric and adult populations.
Serious side effects
acute kidney injury, requires immediate medical attention; neurologic toxicity, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Aciclovir tablets for shingles and genital herpes. It stops the virus from reproducing, which helps the sores heal.
Mechanism of action
Selectively terminates viral DNA chain elongation by blocking DNA polymerase inside infected host cells.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Suitability during pregnancy depends on the specific medicine and individual circumstances. Confirm with a qualified clinician or pharmacist before use. Breastfeeding: Confirm breastfeeding suitability with a qualified clinician or pharmacist before use.
Will I receive the original Zovirax?
No. Zovirax is the original brand, made by GlaxoSmithKline, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine: you receive a generic with the same active ingredient (aciclovir) at the strength you choose. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
What is another name for aciclovir?
Aciclovir is also known as acyclovir, the name used in the United States.
How is Zovirax priced?
The price varies with strength and pack size. Zovirax comes in 200mg, 400mg and 800mg strengths, in packs of 30 to 360 tablets, and the price of every option is shown above in rand, converted from US dollars. Larger packs cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →What is Zovirax used for?
Zovirax contains aciclovir, used for herpes zoster, genital herpes simplex and varicella.
How quickly does Zovirax work?
Aciclovir usually starts to work within 24 to 48 hours, and its effect lasts about 8 to 12 hours. This varies from person to person.
What are the side effects of Zovirax?
The common side effects of aciclovir are nausea, headache and vomiting. Less common ones include fatigue, diarrhoea and transient transaminase elevation. Serious but less common side effects include acute kidney injury and neurological toxicity, which need urgent medical attention.
Which medicines interact with Zovirax?
Aciclovir can interact with probenecid and tenofovir. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Zovirax.
Can I buy Zovirax over the counter in South Africa?
Online, yes: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Zovirax. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy Zovirax online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →What you will receive
Zovirax names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Aciclovir at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.