Zovirax Ointment Uses

Zovirax ointment uses include the treatment of genital herpes and cold sores. While the drug is not a cure for these conditions, it can help symptoms heal faster by preventing the herpes simplex virus from multiplying. "Off-label" Zovirax ointment uses include treating other types of viral skin infections, as well as treating cold sores and subsequent genital herpes outbreaks in people with healthy immune systems.

An Introduction to Zovirax Ointment Uses

Zovirax® ointment (acyclovir ointment) is a prescription medication approved for the following uses:
 
  • Treating non-life-threatening genital herpes or cold sores in people with weakened immune systems (such as those with HIV or AIDS)
     
  • Treating an initial genital herpes infection (but not for subsequent outbreaks) in people with normal immune systems.
     
This article refers to the ointment form of Zovirax, which is different from the cream form (see Zovirax Cream).
 

Zovirax Ointment Uses for Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by a virus, usually herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2).
 Symptoms of genital herpes may include:
 
 
Genital herpes blisters usually heal within one to two weeks. Most people who are infected will have recurrent outbreaks. Zovirax ointment is not a cure for genital herpes, however, and the virus will always remain in your body. When used for genital herpes treatment, Zovirax ointment can help the blisters heal more quickly.
 
Zovirax ointment is also approved for treating initial genital herpes infections (but not later outbreaks) in people with normal immune systems. For people with weakened immune systems, it can be used to treat the initial outbreaks and future infections.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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