Definition

Noun: 1. A brand name for the antiviral drug acyclovir: Zovirax is a medication used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. It works by slowing the growth and spread of the virus, helping the body fight the infection. It does not cure the viral infection but helps manage and relieve its symptoms.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed Zovirax to treat the outbreak of genital herpes.
  • Applying Zovirax cream at the first sign of a cold sore can reduce its severity.
  • Zovirax is most effective when taken at the earliest stage of symptoms.

Advanced Usage

• "on Zovirax": receiving treatment with this medication.
  • The patient has been on Zovirax for a week and the lesions are starting to heal.
• "course of Zovirax": a prescribed period of treatment with this drug.
  • She completed a five-day course of Zovirax.

Variants and Related Words

• Acyclovir (n): The generic, non-brand name for the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Zovirax.
  • The pharmacist asked if I wanted the brand name Zovirax or the generic acyclovir.

Synonyms

• Antiviral drug: A general term for medications that treat viral infections.
• Acyclovir: The direct generic equivalent.

Noun

1. an oral antiviral drug (trade name Zovirax) used to treat genital herpes; does not cure the disease but relieves the symptoms