Zovirax® Ointment for Herpes Simplex

Zovirax® ointment is a topical antiviral for herpes simplex lesions on skin. This page explains uses, dosing, and safety so you can place an informed order. Options include US shipping from Canada and paying without insurance.

What Zovirax Is and How It Works

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This medicine contains acyclovir, a nucleoside analogue that inhibits viral DNA polymerase. After activation by viral thymidine kinase, it can halt viral DNA chain elongation. The treatment acts locally where applied, with minimal systemic absorption.

Acyclovir Ointment 5% is applied directly to visible lesions. Starting at the earliest signs, such as tingling or burning, may help limit local viral activity. This medicine does not eradicate latent virus or eliminate the chance of transmission.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for initial episodes of genital herpes and for limited, non‑life‑threatening mucocutaneous herpes simplex in immunocompromised patients, as directed by the prescriber. Benefit for recurrent lesions in immunocompetent adults can be modest; oral therapy is often considered. Not for ophthalmic use or for oral, intravaginal, or intrarectal application. See related options in Herpes Virus Infection.

Do not use with known hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir. Discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe renal impairment, or extensive disease with a healthcare professional, as systemic therapy may be preferred in those settings.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the approved label and the prescriber’s instructions. Apply a thin film to cover all visible lesions and the immediate surrounding skin. Wash hands before and after. A finger cot or glove can reduce autoinoculation and contamination.

Typical labeled schedule: every three hours, six times daily, for seven days for initial genital episodes. For immunocompromised patients with mucocutaneous lesions, the same schedule is used unless otherwise specified on the label. Do not use in the eyes or inside the mouth, nose, or genitals. Avoid occlusive dressings unless instructed by a clinician.

Administration tips: cleanse gently with mild soap and water, then pat dry before application. Do not vigorously rub the area. Apply just enough ointment to cover lesions; more is not better. Avoid cosmetics or other topicals on the treated area unless approved by a healthcare professional.

Strengths and Forms

The ointment is supplied as an acyclovir topical ointment 5% in a tube. Common pack sizes include a 15 g tube; availability may vary by pharmacy and manufacturer.

Missed Dose and Timing

If an application is missed, apply when remembered, then resume the regular schedule. If it is almost time for the next application, skip the missed one. Do not apply extra amounts to compensate. Keep applications spaced during waking hours; do not disturb sleep to maintain exact intervals unless instructed by a clinician.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store at room temperature as noted on the label. Keep the cap tightly closed. Protect from excessive heat and keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not freeze unless the label specifically permits it. Keep the tube clean; avoid touching the tip to skin or surfaces.

For trips, carry the tube in original packaging with the prescription label. Consider a small insulated pouch to buffer extreme temperatures during summer or winter travel. When flying, pack in a carry‑on with a copy of the prescription or a pharmacy receipt if requested by security. For general travel handling tips, see Travel With Ozempic. Some handling principles translate across therapies.

Benefits

This medicine delivers local antiviral action with minimal systemic exposure. Early use may reduce active viral replication at the skin surface. The portable tube supports precise spot treatment and straightforward hygiene steps. Local therapy can complement systemic antivirals when broader coverage is needed.

Side Effects and Safety

• Temporary burning or stinging at the site
• Itching, dryness, or flaking skin
• Mild redness or irritation
• Rash or hives
• Contact dermatitis from the ointment base

Serious reactions are uncommon. Hypersensitivity reactions, including swelling or difficulty breathing, can occur in rare cases and require urgent medical attention. Avoid ocular use; accidental eye exposure can cause irritation. In immunocompromised patients with extensive disease, topical therapy alone may be insufficient; systemic antivirals may be required. Use with caution alongside other topicals containing irritants such as acids, strong astringents, or alcohols.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Systemic interactions are unlikely due to minimal absorption. Nonetheless, avoid layering multiple topical agents on the same area at the same time unless advised by a clinician. Report allergies to acyclovir or valacyclovir. Do not share the tube. Discontinue and seek care if severe irritation, ulceration, or allergic signs appear. Keep lesions clean and avoid touching the eyes after contact with affected skin.

What to Expect Over Time

When started at prodrome or lesion onset, local symptoms typically follow the natural course of the episode while treatment is continued. Tingling, pain, and redness may gradually lessen as lesions crust and heal. Some individuals benefit from having both topical and oral antivirals available for different outbreak scenarios. If lesions worsen, spread, or do not begin to improve after several days of labeled use, consult a clinician.

Compare With Alternatives

Oral antivirals can treat the same virus when broader exposure is required. Acyclovir provides systemic therapy and may be preferred for frequent or severe recurrences. Famciclovir is another oral option that the prescriber may consider based on history and tolerability. Topical therapy can be used alongside oral treatment when appropriate.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada helps many patients manage out‑of‑pocket costs. See current Zovirax ointment pricing on this page, including available generics. For coupon updates and seasonal offers, visit Promotions. For context on cross‑border access and affordability, read Insulin Policies. To learn how shipping and checkout work, see Fast Secure Delivery. Encrypted checkout protects personal information.

Pricing varies by pack size, manufacturer, and dispensing pharmacy. Generic acyclovir ointment is typically the most economical option when prescribed. Insurance may not reimburse for multiple small tubes, so confirm coverage details with the plan administrator before placing an order.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If the branded ointment is shown as unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a generic substitutable product or an oral antiviral. Do not interchange with ophthalmic preparations. If pharmacy stock is constrained, a therapeutically equivalent option may be coordinated upon prescriber approval.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults and adolescents with skin‑limited herpes simplex lesions who can apply on schedule. Those with severe, widespread, or systemic symptoms may need oral or intravenous therapy instead. Not for eye disease. Avoid use on broken skin beyond the lesions unless instructed.

To reduce costs, consider multi‑month quantities if the prescription allows and outbreaks are predictable. Set refill reminders so treatment is available when needed. Compare generic and brand pricing before checkout. Paying out of pocket can be more predictable than variable copays when deductibles reset.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Best time to start application for my outbreak pattern
• Whether to pair topical treatment with an oral antiviral
• How to protect partners and household members during outbreaks
• What signs mean I should stop and seek medical care
• Which moisturizers or cleansers are safe with this ointment

Authoritative Sources

• FDA DailyMed: Acyclovir Ointment
• Health Canada DPD
• DailyMed Home

Order from CanadianInsulin for prompt, express shipping with temperature-controlled handling when required. Ships from Canada to US. This information is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Follow the approved label and the prescriber’s instructions.