Zovirax ophthalmic ointment

What Zovirax is and what it is used for?

Zovirax Ophthalmic Ointment contains a medicine called aciclovir. This belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals. It is used to treat eye infections caused by the Herpes simplex virus. It works by killing or stopping the growth of viruses on the front of your eyeball (cornea).

How to apply Zovirax to your eye?

1. Wash your hands.
2. Use your finger to gently pull down the lower eyelid of your infected eye.
3. Tilt your head slightly backwards and look up.
4. Apply 1cm (about 1⁄2 an inch) of Zovirax to the inside of your lower eyelid. Try to avoid the tip of the tube touching any part of your eye.
5. Close your eye for 30 seconds.
6. Wash your hands after applying Zovirax.

What you need to know before you use Zovirax?

Do not use Zovirax if:
• you are allergic (hypersensitive) to aciclovir or valaciclovir or any of the
other ingredients. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Zovirax.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before
using Zovirax if:

• you wear contact lenses. Stop wearing them while using Zovirax.
If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Zovirax.

Other medicines and Zovirax

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without prescription, including herbal medicines.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any medicine.

Driving and Using Machines

You may experience blurred vision after using Zovirax Eye Ointment. Do not drive or use any machines unless your vision is clear.

How to use Zovirax?

Always use Zovirax exactly as your doctor has told you.
You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Adults and children

• You should carry on using Zovirax for at least 3 days after your eye has got better.
• Your vision may be blurred for 5 to 10 minutes after applying Zovirax. Wait until you can see clearly again before driving or using any tools or machines.
• The usual dose is 1cm (about 1⁄2 an inch) of Zovirax applied to the infected eye five times a day. You should space each application of Zovirax by four hours. Suggested times are: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm.

Warnings

• If you forget to use Zovirax, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next application, skip the missed application.
• If you use more Zovirax than you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you use too much Zovirax. Zovirax eye ointment is for use in the eye, if you swallow any talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not use a double application to make up for a forgotton application.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Zovirax can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine: Allergic reactions (affects less than 1 in 10,000 people).

If you have an allergic reaction, stop using Zovirax and see a doctor straight away.
The signs may include:
• rash, itching or hives on your skin
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue or other parts of your body
• shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
• unexplained fever (high temperature) and feeling faint, especially when
standing up.

Other side effects include:

Very common (affects more than 1 in 10 people)
• irritation or feeling as if there is something in your eye.

Common (affects less than 1 in 100 people)
• mild stinging in your eye straight after using Zovirax
• swollen, runny eyes (conjunctivitis).

Rare (affects less than 1 in 1,000 people)

• swollen eyelids.

How to store Zovirax?

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25°C. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using Zovirax. Do not use Zovirax if more than one month has passed since you first opened the tube. Do not use Zovirax after the expiry date, which is stated on the carton and tube. The expiry date (Exp.) refers to the last day of that month. If the ointment becomes discoloured or shows any other signs of deterioration, you should seek the advice of your pharmacist who will tell you what to do.