Hello! I got shingles yesterday and since I had terrible rush my doc gave me Acyclovir 400 mg in tablets (Zovirax). He told me to take them three times a day for ten days. When I opened the bottle of tablets and I read the instructions I realized that acute Herpes Zoster (which is my case) is usually being treated with 800 mg of Zovirax every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 7 days. I wanted to call him but I was ashamed, did he make a mistake or I don't understand?
Hi there! You are right; Zovirax is usually used for the acute treatment of Herpes Zoster and as you mentioned it is usually taken every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days, 800 mg. But, there are always cases when this dosage is reduced. You didn't tell me how old are you, do you suffer from any kidneys malfunctions, have you ever taken Zovirax, if yes have you ever felt any serious side effects. As you see there could be many reasons. I think you really should talk to your doctor and he will explain why he prescribed the mentioned dosage.