To reduce the risk of spreading the infection, use a rubber glove to apply the ointment. You can take Virmen with or without food.
-If you miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
If you are using the
ointment, apply it as soon as you remember and continue your regular schedule.
For Genital Herpes
The usual dose is one 200-milligram every 4 hours, 5 times daily for 10 days. If the
herpes is recurrent, the usual adult dose is 400 milligrams (two 200-milligram tablets) 2 times daily for up to 12 months.
If genital herpes is intermittent, the usual adult dose is one 200-milligram
tablet every 4 hours, 5 times a day for 5 days. Therapy should be started at the earliest sign or symptom.
Ointment: Apply ointment to affected area every 3 hours, 6 times per day, for 7 days. Use enough ointment
(approximately one-half inch ribbon of ointment per 4 square inches of surface area) to cover the affected area.
Children
The usual dose for chickenpox in children 2 years of age and older
is 20 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight taken orally 4 times daily, for a total of 80 milligrams per 2.2 pounds, for 5 days. A child weighing more than 88 pounds should take the adult dose.
The
safety and effectiveness of oral Virmen have not been established in children less than 2 years of age. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits of this medication outweigh the potential risks. The safety and
effectiveness of Virmen ointment in children have not been established.
Virmen seems relatively safe during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it should be used only if its benefits outweigh the potential risk to the baby. If
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Virmen appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to
discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment with Virmen is finished.
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Virmen or similar drugs, you should not take this medication. Make
sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.
If you are being treated for a kidney disorder, consult your doctor before taking Virmen. The drug has been known to cause kidney
failure.
If you develop unusual bruising or bleeding under the skin, be sure to alert your doctor. It could signal a dangerous blood disorder.
