Zovirax cream (Acyclovir)
Dosages
Zovirax cream 5 g
| Quantity | Price per tube | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $23.00 | $46.00 | |
| 3 | $19.33 | $58.00 | |
| 4 | $17.25 | $69.00 | |
| 5 | $16.20 | $81.00 | |
| 6 | $15.33 | $92.00 | |
| 7 | $14.86 | $104.00 | |
| 8 | $14.38 | $115.00 | |
| 9 | $14.11 | $127.00 | |
| 10 | $13.80 | $138.00 |
Payment & Shipping
Your order is carefully packed and ships within 24 hours. Here is what a typical package looks like.
Sized like a regular personal letter (9.4x4.3x0.3 inches), with no indication of what is inside.
| Shipping Method | Estimated delivery |
|---|---|
| Express Free for orders over $300.00 | Estimated delivery to the U.S.: 4-7 days |
| Standard Free for orders over $200.00 | Estimated delivery to the U.S.: 14-21 days |
Discount Coupons
- Independence Day - July 4, 2026 10% JULY410
- Labor Day - September 7, 2026 7% LABOR07
- Thanksgiving - November 26, 2026 9% THANKS09
Brand Names
| Country | Brand Names |
|---|---|
 Poland | Hascovir Zovirax Intensive |
 United Kingdom | Virasorb |
Description
Zovirax (Acyclovir) Cream: Key Facts
- Used for recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) on the lips/face caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV).
- For immunocompetent adults and adolescents 12 years and older.
- Apply only to the external lips/face. Do not use in the eyes, inside the mouth or nose.
What It Treats
Zovirax cream contains acyclovir and is indicated for treating recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) when applied early in an outbreak.
Zovirax for Cold Sores vs Genital Herpes
| Condition | Can Zovirax (acyclovir) cream be used? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cold sores on the lips/face (recurrent herpes labialis) | Yes (on-label) | Start early (tingling/itching) or when lesions appear. |
| Genital herpes | No | Zovirax cream is not intended for use on the genitals. Genital herpes is typically treated with prescription oral antivirals based on clinician advice. |
What Zovirax Cream Does Not Do
- It does not cure herpes (HSV remains in the body).
- It does not prevent future outbreaks.
- It does not stop transmission to other people.
Before You Use
- Do not use if you have an allergy to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any component of the formulation.
- Children under 12 years: safety and effectiveness have not been established. Use only if your healthcare provider tells you to.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before using this medicine.
This product contains propylene glycol and cetostearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions such as stinging or burning. If you have a known intolerance to these substances, ask a healthcare professional before use.
How to Use
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much should I apply? | Apply a thin layer in a sufficient quantity to fully cover the affected area. |
| When should I start? | As early as possible at the first sign of an outbreak (tingling/itching) or when lesions appear. |
| How often? | 5 times per day. |
| How long? | 4 days. If not healed, you may continue up to 10 days; see a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond that. |
| How quickly does it work? | It may shorten the episode when started early, but it is not a cure and results vary from person to person. |
Missed dose: apply as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next application, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule.
If you apply too much: topical overdosage is unlikely. If irritation occurs, wash the area gently and consult a healthcare provider.
Zovirax Cream vs Acyclovir Ointment (5%)
| Feature | Zovirax (acyclovir) Cream 5% | Acyclovir Ointment 5% |
|---|---|---|
| Main on-label use | Recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) on lips/face (≥12 years) | Initial genital herpes; limited mucocutaneous HSV in immunocompromised patients (prescription use) |
| Where to apply | External lips/face only; not in eyes, mouth, or nose | Cutaneous use only; not in the eye (genital use may be prescribed for initial genital herpes per label) |
| Typical dosing | 5 times per day for 4 days (up to 10 days if needed) | Every 3 hours, 6 times per day for 7 days |
Possible Side Effects
- Mild pain, burning, or stinging at the application site.
- Dry, flaky skin or cracked lips.
- Itching or redness in the treated area.
Rarely: severe allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of the face/lips/throat, trouble breathing) or allergic skin reactions such as contact dermatitis or eczema. Stop using the cream and seek medical advice if this happens.
Storing and Expiration Date
- Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store at or below 77°F (25°C); excursions permitted to 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
- Store in the original package.
- Do not use after the expiration date shown on the carton/tube. If expired, stop using it and dispose of it properly (ask your pharmacist for advice).
Further Information
The active ingredient is acyclovir 5% w/w (50 mg per gram of cream).
The other ingredients are cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, poloxamer 407, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, water, and white petrolatum.
Zovirax cream is a smooth white to off-white cream. Packaging may vary by market; in the US, ZOVIRAX Cream is supplied in 5 g tubes.
Health and Hygiene
Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that typically appear on or around the lips and are caused by HSV. To help reduce spread during an outbreak:
- Avoid close contact with others.
- Do not share items that may have contacted the sore (e.g., utensils, towels, lip balm).
- Wash hands frequently, especially after touching the affected area.
- Avoid picking at blisters to help prevent secondary infection.
