Zovirax 800 Mg

Last Updated on 05/29/2026 ✔ Medically Reviewed by Dr. Arjun Srivastav

Zovirax 800 Mg- What Is It?

Zovirax 800 is an antiviral medicine used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses.

Zovirax 800 is an antiviral medicine that contains Acyclovir 800 mg. It is commonly used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including shingles, genital herpes, cold sores, and chickenpox.

Zovirax 800 mg is a prescription pill that is given especially for the treatment of viral infections like-

• Herpes liabilis
• Shingles
• Genital infections
• Chicken pox

The Zovirax 800 mg kills the virus and has a more direct method of action.

Use the medicine and take it daily for a few weeks or months, which should be enough to get rid of the infection.

The generic element Acyclovir inside the medicine is what works in the background and helps you to get rid of the infection and get well.

It is a prescription pill, so it is important to get to a doctor first and begin using the medicine with a proper set of precaution measures and safety tips.

key Points

• Active ingredient: Acyclovir 800 mg
• Drug class: Antiviral (anti-herpes virus medication)
• Manufacturer: Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. manufactures Zovirax 800.
• Composition: Acyclovir is the manufacturer of Zovirax 800.
• Uses: Shingles (Herpes zoster)/ Genital herpes (treatment & suppression)/ Cold sores (Herpes simplex)
• How it works: Stops the herpes virus from multiplying, helping reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks (does not treat the virus).
• Dosage form: Oral tablet
• Typical dosing: Depends on condition; commonly taken 2–5 times daily as prescribed.
• Best results: Most effective when started early at the first sign of symptoms.
• Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue.
• Serious (rare) effects: Kidney problems, confusion, allergic reactions—seek medical help if these occur.
• Precautions: Drink plenty of fluids/ Dose adjustment may be needed in kidney disease
• Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Generally considered safe under medical advice.

Method Of Daily Use For Zovirax 800 Mg

Zovirax 800 is commonly prescribed to treat:

• Shingles (Herpes zoster)
• Genital herpes
• Cold sores (Herpes simplex)
• Chickenpox (Varicella), especially in adults or severe cases
• Using this medicine is simple, and you need to swallow it.
• For swallowing, you can use water, but never do it with alcohol.

How Does Zovirax 800 Mg Work?

Acyclovir works by stopping the herpes virus from multiplying inside the body. This helps reduce symptoms, speed healing, and lower the severity of outbreaks.

Acyclovir works by stopping the herpes virus from multiplying in the body. This helps:

• Reduce the severity and duration of symptoms

• Speed up the healing of blisters

• Lower the risk of complications

⚠️ It does not treat herpes infections; the virus remains dormant in the body.

• In simple words, it stops the reproduction of the virus in your body.
• Because of this, the virus does not spread and eventually dies, which treats the infection.

How is it taken

• Available as an oral tablet

• Usually taken multiple times a day, depending on the infection

• Works best when started at the first sign of symptoms

Zovirax 800 Mg- How Long Does It Last?

Each Zovirax 800 mg medicine lasts for a few hours. That is why the doctors tell you to use the medicine daily in a course where the action gets consistent.

Is Zovirax 800mg an effective tablet?

• Yes, studies done by the TGA show that it is quite effective.
• You can get rid of the most severe infections as well with this medicine.

Dosage

✓ Dose For Adults

• Generally, the doctors recommend that you use only a single medicine per day.
• The doctors will give you a suitable strength of the medicine depending on the type of infection and how severe it is.
• Your dose of 800 mg usually lasts for 7 to 10 days or a few weeks in case of more severe issues.

✓ Dose For Children

• The 800 mg dose is not for children as it is very high.
• However, there are smaller doses for children for which you need to consult with the doctor.

What Occurs If I Miss Taking A Dose?

If you miss taking your dose quite often, it does not show a good result of the tenure.

What Occurs On Overdosing This Medicine?

Avoid increasing the dose, as there is a risk of side effects with high strength. It can cause side effects.

Benefits Of Taking Zovirax 800 Mg

• Use of Zovirax 800 mg helps with a more direct action to get rid of the viral infections.
• It works to treat different viral infections.

Drug Interactions

✓ With Other Medicines

• Other remedies for viral infections
• Medicines to treat UTIs and kidney infections.
• Other orally used medicines to treat yeast infections.

✓ Other Health Issues

Tell the doctors if you have other health issues like-

• Other viral infections on the scalp, skin, nose, and throat
• UTIs
• HIV or AIDS
• Kidney infections

What Are The Side Effects Of Zovirax 800 Mg?

✓ Mild Side Effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mouth dryness
• Taste changes

✓ Severe Side Effects

• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Feeling tiredness

In case these issues continue, it means that you have to reduce the dose. Get in touch with your doctor to lower the amount of daily use.

Precautions And Warnings With Zovirax 800 Mg

• Stay in touch with your doctor during the treatment term and see if they recommend any changes.
• Take the dose at the same time daily to get the best effects.
• Inform your doctor about kidney disease or dehydration
• Avoid self-adjusting the dosage
• Use cautiously during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Seek medical help for allergic reactions or unusual symptoms

✓ Important precautions

• Drink plenty of fluids while taking it

• Dose adjustment may be needed for kidney problems

• Always take it as prescribed by a doctor

When To Seek Medical Help?

• Always consult the doctor first if you need a change in your dose at any time.
• Consult with the doctors if you do not see any changes even after 4 to 5 days of using the medicine.
• Consult with the doctors if you need a change in your diet when taking the medicine.

Safety Advice for Zovirax 800 Mg

✓ Addictions

Studies have shownthat thee use of different kinds of addictive substances reduces your immunity and makes you prone to viral infections.

It is thus for all females to get rid of such habits, or else the medicine will take too much longer to treat the issues.

✓ Driving

A few side effects may cause problems when driving. In case you feel dizzy or have nausea, try, and take, rest and avoid using the medicine when you have to drive.

✓ Pregnancy

There is not much information available if the Zovirax 800 mg is safe during pregnancy. Doctors are of the view that it must be limited for use among pregnant mothers.

The doctors say that even if you are trying for pregnancy, the use of the medicine may have to be given in a small dose or for a shorter period.

✓ Breastfeeding

Studies of the generic element Acyclovir have been done in animals, and the results show that the elements of the medicine can pass on to the baby from your breast milk.

Thus, there is no doubt that you cannot use the medicine until your baby adapts to eating outside food.

✓ Allergic Side Effects

Watch out for issues like-

• Swelling of the skin, lips, or mouth
• Flushing
• Rashes on the skin

Stop using the medicine right away if you see any such effects. Remember to tell the doctors if you have any ovulation-related issues like irregular periods, severe period pain, and so on.

Is Zovirax 800 mg legal in Sydney?

Yes, it has been tested and verified by the TGA in Australia. Therefore, you can find this medicine in Sydney and other parts of Australia.

Storage Guidelines

• Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture
• Keep protected from direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

Where To Buy Zovirax 800 Mg In Australia?

To get Zovirax 800 mg or any other dose of the brand, get it at the best price from Australia’s best online pharmacy approved by the TGA, AustraliaRXMeds.