ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment is an antiviral used to treat an eye infection called herpes simplex keratitis. This is a viral infection in the eye. It is not used in other infections in the eye such as conjunctivitis. ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment is available only with a doctor's prescription.
WHAT ZOVIRAX OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT IS USED FOR:
BEFORE YOU USE ZOVIRAX OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT:
Do not use ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment if:
- you have an allergy to this medicine, acyclovir, valaciclovir or to the inactive ingredient, white soft paraffin
- it is more than a month after you first opened the tube of ointment.
Before you start using ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment, tell your doctor if:
- you have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
If you have blurred vision after applying ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment, do not drive or operate machinery. If you wear contact lenses, you should avoid wearing lenses while using ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment. Always tell your health care professional if you are taking/using any other medicine. If you are pregnant or breast feeding your baby please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for advice before using this medicine.
HOW TO USE ZOVIRAX OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT:
Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person. Follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to use ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment. Do not touch the nozzle of the eye ointment tube or the eye ointment as it comes out of the tube. Wash your hands well with soap and dry them thoroughly before you apply the eye ointment.
ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment is usually applied five times a day - about every four hours while you are awake. See below for how to apply.
With your finger under the bottom eye lid, pull the skin down gently so that the bottom eye lid comes down creating a little pocket between the eye and the eye lid. Put 10 mm (1 cm, just under half an inch) of ointment into this pocket. Release the eye lid (stop pulling it) and blink a couple of times to spread the ointment across the eye.
Use your finger to gently pull down the lower eyelid of your infected eye. Tilt your head slightly backwards and look up. Apply the ointment to the inside of your lower eyelid. Close your eye for 30 seconds. If the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor.
How long to use ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment: Keep using for at least three days after the eye infection has gone.
If you forget a dose of ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment: If you forget a dose of ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment use it as soon as you remember, then continue to use approximately every four hours. It is important not to miss many doses of ZOVIRAX - it needs to be used regularly to work properly.
In case of an overdose: Overdosing with ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment when it is applied to the skin is unlikely. However, if you think that someone has accidentally swallowed the ointment, contact your doctor or a Poisons Information Centre, or go to your nearest accident and emergency centre. Do this even if there are no signs of poisoning or discomfort.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:
ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment can cause side effects. Some may be serious and need medical attention. Not all side effects reported for this medicine are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking this medicine, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for advice. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Mild Side Effects: Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following that are troublesome or ongoing:
- Mild stinging of the eye straight after applying the ointment. This usually only lasts a short time.
- Itchy, watery eyes, (conjunctivitis).
More Serious Side Effects: Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: If you think that ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment is causing you to have an allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY, you may need urgent medical attention. Symptoms include:
- severe skin rash, itching or hives
- swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- low blood pressure (feeling faint or dizzy).
Other side effects include: Marks on the surface of the eye that look like points or dots. You don't need to stop using ZOVIRAX and the marks will disappear again. Contact your doctor or pharmacist, if you experience any side effect not listed above.
STORING AND DISPOSING OF ZOVIRAX OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT:
Store all medicines out of reach of children. Store below 25 °C. An opened tube of ZOVIRAX Ophthalmic Ointment should be discarded after one month. Do not use if the expiry date on the packaging has passed. If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.