Sign in

or Register now

HerpesConnection.com

See all of our health sites at www.HealthCentral.com
Saturday, November 21, 2009
  • Font size
  • Bookmark
  • Save
 PJ Hamel On NPR!

Zovirax Oral

Precautions and Side Effects


Generic Name: ACYCLOVIR - ORAL
Pronounced: (ay-SYE-kloe-vir)

Zovirax Oral Side Effects

Table of Contents

Headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness


Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

  • unusual tiredness
  • fast/pounding heartbeat
  • easy bruising/bleeding
  • new signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat)
  • bloody/dark urine
  • severe stomach/abdominal pain
  • yellowing eyes/skin
  • change in the amount of urine
  • mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, hallucinations)
  • loss of consciousness
  • vision changes
  • seizures


A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing


This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In the US, you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

  • Font size
  • Bookmark
  • Was this helpful? Yes
  • Save

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

View all questions (2163) >
Free Newsletter
Get weekly updates, news alerts and more on Genital Herpes and related health conditions.