Zovirax Oint 5% (acyclovir topical ointment)

Zovirax Oint 5% is a topical antiviral ointment used for certain herpes simplex virus (HSV) skin lesions. This page summarizes practical basics and ordering steps, including US shipping from Canada. It also outlines common use directions and safety notes for people paying cash or without insurance.

What Zovirax Oint 5% Is and How It Works

This medicine contains acyclovir, an antiviral that interferes with HSV replication in infected skin cells. It is not an antibiotic and it does not treat fungal rashes. The goal of topical therapy is to limit viral activity at the lesion site, which may reduce symptom intensity for some people when started early.

CanadianInsulin operates as a prescription referral platform. For background on conditions commonly treated with antivirals, you can browse the Herpes Simplex hub or the Antivirals Category collection of related products.

Why it matters: HSV outbreaks can change quickly, so clear handling steps help avoid spreading virus to other skin areas.

Who It’s For

Topical acyclovir ointment is generally prescribed for herpes simplex infections affecting the skin and adjacent mucous membranes. Examples can include genital lesions and other localized HSV outbreaks, depending on local labeling and prescriber intent. Treatment decisions often consider how often outbreaks occur, how extensive lesions are, and whether immune function is reduced.

Zovirax Oint 5% may not be appropriate for certain situations, such as hypersensitivity to acyclovir or formulation ingredients. This product is not meant for ophthalmic (eye) use. It is also not designed for routine use as a general skin protectant or as a preventive layer on unaffected skin. For condition-specific context, the Genital Herpes hub is a browseable collection of related therapies and supplies.

Seek urgent clinical help for severe symptoms such as eye pain or vision changes, widespread blistering, or signs of a serious allergic reaction (for example, facial swelling or breathing difficulty). Those situations require prompt medical evaluation rather than self-management with a topical product.

Dosage and Usage

Use directions should follow the prescription label and the manufacturer’s instructions. Typical labeling for topical acyclovir ointment describes use at regular intervals across the day for a set number of days. A commonly referenced schedule is six times daily at roughly 3-hour intervals for 7 days, but individual prescriptions can differ.

General handling steps are usually straightforward. Clean and dry the affected area, then use a small amount to cover lesions as directed. Wash hands before and after contact with the treated area to reduce the chance of spreading HSV to other sites. Avoid contact with eyes, and do not share towels, lip products, or razors during an outbreak.

• Start at first signs of lesions
• Use thin, even coverage
• Keep the area clean
• Limit skin-to-skin contact

A valid prescription may be confirmed with the prescriber when required. If symptoms do not improve, worsen, or recur frequently, reassessment can help determine whether oral antiviral therapy, testing, or a different plan is needed.

Strengths and Forms

This product is a 5% topical ointment, meaning 5 g of acyclovir per 100 g of ointment base. Ointments are typically more occlusive than creams, which can be helpful for some lesion locations but may feel greasy on certain skin types. The base can also affect tolerability, especially on sensitive areas.

Availability of package sizes and manufacturers can vary by pharmacy and country. If a prescriber intended a cream rather than an ointment (or vice versa), confirm the form with the dispensing pharmacy before use. For people who need systemic treatment for frequent or severe outbreaks, clinicians may choose oral antivirals rather than a topical-only approach.

When comparing topical options, it can help to separate the active ingredient from the vehicle. The same antiviral can be found in different topical bases, and the feel on skin can influence adherence to the prescribed schedule.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store Zovirax Oint 5% at controlled room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, and keep the cap tightly closed. Do not freeze unless the label specifically permits it. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets, and do not use the ointment past its expiration date.

For travel, carry the tube in a protective pouch to prevent punctures or leakage. If you are flying, keeping medications in your carry-on helps avoid temperature extremes in checked baggage. Retain the pharmacy label for identification, especially when traveling across jurisdictions or when carrying multiple prescription items.

Quick tip: Write the open date on the carton to track how long it has been in use.

If the ointment changes color, separates, or develops an unusual odor, do not use it and consult a pharmacist about replacement.

Side Effects and Safety

Most side effects with topical acyclovir are localized. Common reactions can include mild burning, stinging, itching, dryness, or irritation at the site of use. These effects are often temporary, but persistent discomfort should be reviewed by a healthcare professional to rule out contact dermatitis (skin inflammation) or secondary infection.

Zovirax Oint 5% is not intended for use inside the eye, and accidental eye exposure should be rinsed with water. Serious allergic reactions are uncommon but possible; stop use and seek urgent care for swelling of the face or throat, hives, or breathing difficulty. If pregnancy, breastfeeding, or immune suppression is relevant, a prescriber or pharmacist can help interpret the risk–benefit profile and whether a topical or oral antiviral is more appropriate.

Because HSV can spread by contact, take care around infants, people with eczema, and anyone with a weakened immune system during active lesions.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Drug interactions are less common with topical antivirals than with oral medicines because systemic absorption is typically low. Even so, the treated area matters. Using multiple products on the same site can increase irritation or alter how well the ointment stays in place, especially if a steroid cream, anesthetic gel, or fragranced cosmetic is also used.

Let a clinician know about all prescription and nonprescription products used on the affected area, including medicated lip balms, acne treatments, and barrier ointments. If you have extensive lesions, severe pain, fever, or frequent recurrences, evaluation is important because topical therapy alone may be insufficient. People with known kidney disease should also ensure their care team knows, since oral antiviral options—if later prescribed—may require dose adjustments.

Do not use on undiagnosed rashes or blisters. Several skin conditions can resemble HSV, and correct diagnosis changes treatment choices.

Compare With Alternatives

Topical acyclovir is one option among several antiviral approaches. Alternatives may include oral antiviral tablets (systemic treatment), different topical vehicles, or supportive care measures directed by a prescriber. The best fit often depends on outbreak location, severity, and whether a person has recurrent episodes.

Within this site, related options include the Acyclovir Details listing (generic formulations may vary) and Famciclovir Details for prescriber-directed oral therapy. Oral antivirals can be considered when lesions are extensive, when outbreaks recur often, or when suppressive therapy is selected, but they also introduce systemic considerations such as kidney function and other medications.

It can also help to review condition-focused collections, such as the Herpes Simplex hub, to compare forms and dosing schedules at a high level before discussing options with a clinician.

Pricing and Access

Zovirax Oint 5% is typically obtained with a prescription. Access through CanadianInsulin is designed for cash-pay purchasing, including for those managing medication costs without insurance coverage. Final costs can vary by manufacturer, package size, and pharmacy dispensing fees, so it helps to review the available options at checkout.

Licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense medications once documentation is in place. If you are looking for general site-wide offers that may apply to eligible items, you can review Site Promotions. For shoppers managing prescriptions for animals as well, the Pet Medications category is a browseable product collection, and these guides may be useful: Pet Medications Online Options and Pet Antibiotics Guide.

Some customers also use the site’s veterinary education resources for safe handling and dosing discussions with a veterinarian, such as Cerenia Uses And Dosage and Onsior Uses Overview.

Authoritative Sources

For the most accurate, product-specific directions, rely on the official prescribing information and your pharmacy label. Regulatory labeling also clarifies limitations, such as where the ointment should not be used and what adverse reactions to monitor. These sources are helpful when preparing questions for a pharmacist or prescriber.

FDA prescribing information can be referenced here: Acyclovir Ointment Prescribing Information (PDF). Patient-focused use and safety notes are available here: MedlinePlus: Acyclovir Topical. Public health background on HSV is summarized here: CDC: Genital Herpes Fact Sheet.

To request dispensing through the platform, submit your prescription details for prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.