Zovirax  (U.S.N.L.M.)
Dosing/ (Zoster) 800 mg po q4hr , 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days.
Most effective when started within 48 hours after onset of symptoms.
Dosing/ (Herpes Simplex) 400mg po q4hr 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days.¹
Chem Specs acyclovir
Quantities 200, 400, 800mg, (and as a suspension)
Cost 24.78/30tab/400mg generic
Class Acyclovir is a guanine analogue.
Action The activated form inhibits viral DNA polymerase. Viral thymidine
kinase activates acyclovir, so non-infected cells remain unaffected.

The  activated  form  inhibits  viral  DNA  polymerase.  Viral thymidine
kinase activates acyclovir, so non-infected cells remain unaffected.
Activity Acyclovir is active against most species in the herpesvirus family.
Usage Acyclovir is indicated for acute Herpes Zoster and Herpes Simplex keratitis
and keratoconjunctivitis. 1. Patients at high risk for recurrent HSV may be
kept on low dose (400mg bid ) maintenance for extended periods.
(Modify treatment if antiviral resistance is suspected.)
Contraindications Hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir.
Pediatric use > 2 years
Pregnancy There are no adequate studies in pregnant women.
Animal studies have not demonstrated tertatogenicity.
800mg dosing or 800mg loading dose is considered by some to be a more
effective treatment for Simplex. Steroids are indicated for HSV stromal keratitis
but must be avoided in the acute phase of active viral replication on the ocular
surface as in acute epithelial keratitis.
800mg dosing or 800mg loading dose is considered by some   to  be  a  more   effective   treatment  for   Simplex. Steroids are indicated for HSV stromal keratitis but must be avoided in the acute phase of active viral replication on the ocular surface as in acute epithelial keratitis.
(Two thirds of early Acanthamoeba keratitis are misdiagnosed as HSV.)
    N.L.M. DailyMed page for Zovirax         PDR page for Zovirax