Virovir tablets

How does it work?

Virovir tablets contain the active ingredient aciclovir, which is an antiviral medicine used to treat infections with herpes viruses. (NB. Aciclovir tablets and dispersible tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

The herpes viruses include the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes (herpes simplex 1 and 2) and the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles (varicella zoster or herpes varicellae). Aciclovir works by stopping these herpes viruses from reproducing and infecting more cells in the body.

Aciclovir is converted to a more active form inside cells of the body that are infected with herpes viruses. The activated aciclovir then works by blocking the action of a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase.

The herpes viruses need the DNA polymerase enzyme to copy their genetic material from RNA to DNA. This process is necessary for the viruses to multiply and continue to survive. By blocking the action of DNA polymerase, aciclovir prevents the herpes viruses from multiplying. This controls the infection and helps the immune system to deal with it.

Aciclovir is taken by mouth to treat herpes infections that cause chickenpox and shingles. It is also taken by mouth to treat genital herpes and other herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes, and to prevent these infections coming back in people who suffer recurrent infections. Oral aciclovir is also valuable for preventing herpes simplex infections in people whose immune systems are supressed and cannot fight off infection, either due to disease, eg HIV and AIDS, or medical treatment, eg chemotherapy, steroids, bone marrow transplant.

Aciclovir is also available as creams specifically for treating genital herpes and cold sores, and as an eye ointment for treating herpes simplex infections of the eye. See the factsheets linked below for further information about these preparations.

What is it used for?

Chickenpox

Genital herpes

Herpes simplex infections of the skin, eg cold sores

Preventing herpes simplex infections in people whose immune systems are impaired, eg due to disease or treatment

Preventing recurrence of herpes simplex infections, eg recurrent cold sores or genital herpes

Shingles

Warning!

You should ensure that you drink plenty of fluids while receiving treatment with this medicine.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

Allergy to aciclovir or valaciclovir

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

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