Zovirax Eye Ointment Description

Zovirax Eye Ointment contains Acyclovir, an antiviral prescription medication for treating herpes simplex keratitis. There are several types of HSV that can cause sores and lesions in, on, and around your mouth or genitals, but Zovirax Eye Ointment is specifically formulated to treat inflammation of the cornea.

You will need a prescription from your doctor or ophthalmologist in order to buy Zovirax Eye Ointment which is typically administered five times daily. This medication is also available as Acyclovir, its lower cost generic alternative. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How This Antiviral Ophthalmic Drug Works

Acyclovir is converted to a more active form once inside the body’s cells that are infected with herpes simplex and goes to work to block the action of a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase. The herpes virus requires this enzyme to copy its genetic material from RNA to DNA in order to make copies of its self to survive and multiply. Without DNA polymerase, the herpes simplex virus is unable to produce new viruses so the herpes simplex keratitis clears up.

Conditions Treated by Zovirax Eye Ointment

The first time you experience an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is referred to as the primary infection and the virus can lay dormant within the nerves of your body for the rest of your life, sometimes reactivating and causing further symptoms.

Symptoms of reactivation include eye pain, blurred vision, tearing, redness, and sensitivity to bright light. Occasionally the infection becomes worse and the cornea swells causing hazy vision. The herpes simplex virus may also cause blood vessels to grow onto the cornea which can lead to significant visual impairment.

Several recurrences can result in permanent scarring, a loss of feeling when the eye is touched, and the formation of deep ulcers. The infection may heal itself without scarring if it is only superficial, involving just the outer layer of the cornea. If you have eye pain, swelling, discharge, or loss of eye movement, you should contact your doctor or ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Before Zovirax Eye Ointment is Prescribed

Advise your doctor if you normally wear contact lenses before receiving a prescription to buy Zovirax Eye Ointment. Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have and list all current Rx and over the counter drugs you take or use. This will help your doctor to determine if Zovirax Eye Ointment is the right medicine to prescribe for you.

Zovirax Eye Ointment Precautions

Zovirax Eye Ointment should only be used to treat the eye as directed. Zovirax Eye Ointment can cause your vision to become temporarily blurry after application so wait until your vision returns to normal before you drive or attempt any task that requires you to see clearly. Store all medications out of children’s reach and do not share them with anyone else. Try to apply Zovirax Eye Ointment on a clean finger or cotton swab to avoid the possibility of touching the tube to your eye area and spreading the virus.

Possible Side Effects of Zovirax Eye Ointment

• Eye irritation
• Blurred vision
• Stinging on application

Drugs Similar to Zovirax Eye Ointment

• Zirgan
• Valcyte
• Cytovene