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ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION

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About the medicine

How to use ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION

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This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe.

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Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the User

Zovirax 400 mg/5 ml Oral Suspension

Aciclovir

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
  • If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the pack

  1. What Zovirax is and what it is used for
  2. What you need to know before you take Zovirax
  3. How to take Zovirax
  4. Possible side effects
  5. Storage of Zovirax
  6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Zovirax is and what it is used for

Zovirax belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals.

It is used in infants, children, adolescents, and adults to treat and prevent infections caused by the herpes simplex virus, genital herpes, herpes zoster, and varicella virus.

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2. What you need to know before you take Zovirax

Do not take Zovirax:

  • if you are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
Medicine questions

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Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Zovirax:

  • If you have kidney disease or are elderly. Your doctor may need to reduce your dose. Also, you should drink plenty of fluid during treatment to maintain adequate hydration.

Taking Zovirax with other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.

Tell your doctor if you have taken probenecid, cimetidine, or mycophenolate mofetil (a medicine used in transplant patients) recently.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Aciclovir passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are breastfeeding.

Driving and using machines

Some side effects such as drowsiness or sleepiness may affect your ability to concentrate and react. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel that your ability is affected.

Zovirax 400 mg/5 ml oral suspension contains sorbitol, benzyl alcohol, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, and sodium.

This medicine contains 1.575 g of sorbitol in each 5 ml of oral suspension.

Sorbitol is a source of fructose. If your doctor has told you that you (or your child) have an intolerance to some sugars, or have been diagnosed with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a rare genetic disorder, in which the patient cannot break down fructose, talk to your doctor before you (or your child) take this medicine.

Sorbitol may cause gastrointestinal upset and a mild laxative effect.

This medicine contains less than 1 mg of benzyl alcohol in each 5 ml of oral suspension.

Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because large amounts of benzyl alcohol can build up in your body and cause side effects (metabolic acidosis).

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have liver or kidney disease. This is because large amounts of benzyl alcohol can build up in your body and cause side effects (metabolic acidosis).

Benzyl alcohol has been associated with the risk of serious side effects, including breathing problems ("gasping syndrome") in children.

Do not give this medicine to your newborn (up to 4 weeks of age) unless your doctor has recommended it.

This medicine should not be used for more than one week in children under 3 years of age unless your doctor or pharmacist has told you to.

This medicine may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed) because it contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216).

This medicine contains less than 23 mg of sodium (1 mmol) per 5 ml of oral suspension; it is essentially "sodium-free".

3. How to take Zovirax

Take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist again.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose, frequency, and duration of treatment.

Remember to take your medicine.

Your doctor will tell you how long to take Zovirax. Do not stop treatment before.

The usual doses for adults are:

  • for the treatment of herpes simplex infections: 2.5 ml of suspension five times a day, every four hours, omitting the night dose
  • for the suppression of herpes simplex virus recurrences: 2.5 ml of suspension four times a day, every six hours, or 5 ml twice a day, every twelve hours
  • for the prevention of herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised patients: 2.5 ml of suspension four times a day, every six hours
  • for the treatment of varicella and herpes zoster infections: 10 ml of suspension five times a day, every four hours, omitting the night dose.

The usual doses for children are:

  • for the treatment of herpes simplex infections and prevention of herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised children:
  • children and adolescents (2 to 18 years): the dose is the same as for adults
  • infants (28 days to 23 months): will be treated with half the adult dose.
  • for the treatment of varicella:
  • children (over 6 years) and adolescents: 10 ml of suspension four times a day
  • children between 2 and 6 years: 5 ml of suspension four times a day
  • children under 2 years: 2.5 ml of suspension four times a day.

The suspension will be administered using the double spoon that allows dosing of 2.5 ml and 5 ml.

Do not dilute the oral suspension. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluid while taking this treatment.

If you feel that the effect of ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml oral suspension is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more Zovirax 400 mg/5 ml oral suspension than you should

In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, talk to your doctor or pharmacist immediately or call the Toxicology Information Service, phone: 91 562 04 20, indicating the medicine and the amount taken.

If you forget to take Zovirax 400 mg/5 ml oral suspension

Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses, simply wait for the next dose.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Side effectscommon (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

  • Headache, dizziness, feeling tired, fever.
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain.
  • Itching, skin rash (sometimes caused by sensitivity to sunlight).

Side effectsuncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

  • Hair loss.
  • Hives.

Side effectsrare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

  • Changes in blood tests (reversible increases in bilirubin and liver enzymes, increases in blood urea and creatinine).
  • Breathing difficulties.
  • Angioedema (swelling of the lips, eyes, and tongue).
  • Sudden and severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction).

Side effectsvery rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

  • Anemia (decrease in red blood cells) or leukopenia (decrease in white blood cells), bruising (due to a decrease in platelets).
  • Agitation, confusion, tremors, difficulty moving, difficulty speaking, confusion or imagining things (hallucinations), changes in personality and behavior, seizures, drowsiness, encephalopathy (brain disorder), coma. These effects are usually reversible and normally occurred in patients with kidney disorders or predisposing factors.
  • Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), jaundice (yellow color of the skin and eyes), acute kidney failure, kidney pain (may be associated with kidney failure).

Tell your doctor immediatelyif you experience any of the following symptoms of allergy: sudden breathing difficulties, palpitations or chest tightness, collapse, swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, or other parts of the body, skin rash or bruising. These symptoms may mean that you are allergic to Zovirax. Do not takemore suspension unless your doctor tells you to.

Reporting of side effects

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines: https://www.notificaRAM.es. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml oral suspension

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not store above 30°C.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date is the last day of the month shown.

Bottle of 100 ml: once opened, the validity period is 15 days. Store below 25°C

Bottle of 200 ml: once opened, the validity period is 27 days. Store below 25°C

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

Composition of ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml oral suspension

  • The active substance is aciclovir, each 5 ml of oral suspension contains 400 mg of aciclovir.
  • The other ingredients (excipients) are sorbitol liquid non-crystallizable (70%) (E420), glycerol (E422), microcrystalline cellulose (E460) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Avicel RC 591F), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), orange flavoring (contains benzyl alcohol) and purified water.

Appearance and packaging

Amber glass bottle, type III with metal screw cap with safety closure or child-resistant plastic cap. Pack containing a 100 ml or 200 ml bottle, accompanied by a double spoon for dosing 2.5 ml and 5 ml.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing authorization holder and manufacturer

Marketing authorization holder

GlaxoSmithKline, S.A.

P.T.M. C/ Severo Ochoa, 2

28760 Tres Cantos (Madrid)

Tel: +34 900 202 700

[email protected]

Manufacturer

Aspen Bad Oldesloe GmbH

Industriestrasse 32-36

D-23843 Bad Oldesloe (Germany)

Date of last revision of this leaflet:June 2022.

Detailed and updated information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es

Online doctors for ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION

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Between 2013 and 2019, he completed the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Porto, where he acquired a solid academic and clinical education.

Subsequently, between January 2021 and December 2021, he completed the General Internship at the Entre Douro e Vouga Hospital Center in Santa Maria da Feira, where he had the opportunity to work in different hospital settings and deepen his competencies in several areas of medicine.

From January 2022 until March 2026, he works as a Resident Physician in General and Family Medicine at USF Salvador Machado in Oliveira de Azeméis, developing clinical activities in primary healthcare, follow-up of chronic patients, and health promotion in the community.

Complementing his medical training, Dr. João Silva also completed a Postgraduate Degree in Continuing and Palliative Care at CESPU, strengthening his preparation in the comprehensive approach to patient care, especially in situations requiring prolonged care and multidisciplinary support.

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Areas of medical expertise:

  • Acute and chronic pain: headaches, muscle and joint pain, back pain, abdominal pain, postoperative pain. Identifying the cause, selecting treatment, and creating a care plan.
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  • Obesity treatment and weight management: a medical approach to weight loss, including assessment of underlying causes, evaluation of comorbidities, development of a personalised plan (nutrition, physical activity, pharmacotherapy if needed), and ongoing progress monitoring.
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Experience and qualifications:

  • 12+ years of clinical experience in university hospitals in Germany and Spain.
  • International education: Ukraine – Germany – Spain.
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Dr Yakovenko explains complex topics in a clear, accessible way. He works collaboratively with patients to analyse health issues and make evidence-based decisions. His approach is grounded in clinical excellence, scientific accuracy, and respect for each individual.

If you are unsure about a diagnosis, preparing for surgery, or want to discuss your test results – Dr Yakovenko will help you evaluate your options and move forward with confidence.

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Daniel Cichi

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Dr Daniel Cichi is a family medicine doctor with over 20 years of clinical experience. He provides online consultations for adults, supporting patients with acute symptoms, chronic conditions, and everyday health concerns that require timely medical guidance. His background includes work in emergency care, ambulance services, and family medicine, which allows him to assess symptoms quickly, identify warning signs, and help patients choose the safest next steps – whether that means home care, treatment adjustment, or in-person evaluation. Patients commonly consult Dr Daniel Cichi for: 

  • acute symptoms: fever, infections, flu-like illness, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath;
  • chest discomfort, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and blood pressure concerns;
  • digestive problems: abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, reflux;
  • sexually transmitted infections, erectile dysfunction;
  • muscle, joint, and back pain, minor injuries, post-traumatic symptoms;
  • chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, weight loss, hair loss;
  • review and interpretation of lab tests, imaging reports, and medical documents;
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  • second opinions and guidance on whether in-person care is needed.

Dr Cichi’s consultations are structured and practical. He focuses on clear explanations, risk assessment, and actionable recommendations, helping patients understand their symptoms and make informed decisions about their health.

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Lina Travkina

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Dr. Lina Travkina is a licensed family and preventive medicine doctor based in Italy. She provides online consultations for adults and children, supporting patients across all stages of care – from acute symptom management to long-term health monitoring and prevention.

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  • Respiratory conditions: colds, flu, acute and chronic bronchitis, mild to moderate pneumonia, bronchial asthma.
  • ENT and eye conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, infectious and allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Digestive issues: gastritis, acid reflux (GERD), IBS, dyspepsia, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, functional bowel symptoms, intestinal infections.
  • Urological and infectious diseases: acute and recurrent cystitis, bladder and kidney infections, prevention of recurrent UTIs, asymptomatic bacteriuria.
  • Chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, excess weight.
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Additional care areas:

  • Preventive consultations and check-up planning.
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  • Second opinion on diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Nutritional and lifestyle support for vitamin deficiencies, anaemia, metabolic issues.
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Dr. Travkina combines evidence-based medicine with an attentive, personalised approach. Her consultations focus not only on treatment, but also on prevention, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

If during the consultation it becomes clear that your case requires in-person assessment or specialised care outside of her scope, the session will be terminated and the payment fully refunded.

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Hocine Lokchiri

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Dr. Hocine Lokchiri is a French consultant with over 20 years of experience in General and Emergency Medicine. He works with adults and children, helping patients with urgent symptoms, infections, sudden health changes and everyday medical concerns that require timely evaluation. His background includes clinical practice in France, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, which allows him to navigate different healthcare systems and manage a wide range of conditions with confidence. Patients value his calm, structured approach, clear explanations and evidence-based decision-making.

Online consultations with Dr. Lokchiri are suitable for many situations when someone needs quick medical guidance, reassurance or a clear next step. Common reasons for booking include:

  • fever, chills, fatigue and viral symptoms
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  • bronchitis and mild asthma flare-ups
  • nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, digestive infections
  • rashes, allergic reactions, redness, insect bites
  • muscle or joint pain, mild injuries, sprains
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  • management of chronic conditions in stable phases
Many patients reach out when symptoms appear suddenly and cause concern, when a child becomes unwell unexpectedly, when a rash changes or spreads, or when it’s unclear whether an in-person examination is necessary. His emergency medicine background is particularly valuable online, helping patients understand risk levels, identify warning signs and choose safe next steps.

Some situations are not suitable for online care. If a patient has loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, major trauma or symptoms suggesting a stroke or heart attack, he will advise seeking immediate local emergency services. This improves safety and ensures patients receive the right level of care.

Dr. Lokchiri’s professional training includes:

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  • Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS/ACLS)
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  • eFAST and critical care transthoracic echocardiography
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He is an active member of several professional organisations, including the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Association for Emergency Physicians (AMUF) and the Swiss Society of Emergency and Rescue Medicine (SGNOR). In consultations, he works with clarity and precision, helping patients understand their symptoms, possible risks and the safest treatment options.
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Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
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  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
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Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a prescription required for ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION?
ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION requires a prescription in Spain. You can check with a doctor online whether this medicine may be appropriate for your situation.
What is the active substance in ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION?
The active ingredient in ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION is aciclovir. This information helps identify medicines with the same composition but different brand names.
How much does ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION cost in pharmacies?
The average pharmacy price for ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION is around 15.13 EUR. Prices may vary depending on the manufacturer and dosage form.
Who manufactures ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION?
ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION is manufactured by Glaxosmithkline S.A.. Pharmacy brands and packaging may differ depending on the distributor.
Which doctors can assess the use of ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION online?
Doctors such as Family doctors, Psychiatrists, Dermatologists, Cardiologists, Endocrinologists, Gastroenterologists, Pulmonologists, Nephrologists, Rheumatologists, Hematologists, Infectious disease physicians, Allergists, Geriatricians, Paediatricians, Oncologists may assess whether ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION is appropriate, depending on your situation and local regulations. You can book an online consultation to discuss your symptoms and possible next steps.
What are the alternatives to ZOVIRAX 400 mg/5 ml ORAL SUSPENSION?
Other medicines with the same active substance (aciclovir) include ACICLOVIR ACCORD 25 mg/ml CONCENTRATE FOR INFUSION SOLUTION, ACICLOVIR ACCORD 250 mg POWDER FOR INJECTABLE SOLUTION AND FOR INFUSION, ACICLOVIR ALTAN 250 mg POWDER FOR SOLUTION FOR INFUSION. These may have different brand names or formulations but contain the same therapeutic ingredient. Always consult a doctor before switching or starting a new medicine.
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