What labs do you monitor when taking zovirax?

When taking Zovirax (acyclovir), your doctor may recommend monitoring certain laboratory tests to assess your kidney and liver function. Some of the labs that may be monitored include:

1. Serum Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles and excreted by the kidneys. Monitoring creatinine levels can help assess kidney function. If creatinine levels rise while taking Zovirax, it may indicate potential kidney problems, such as acute kidney injury.

2. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): BUN is another waste product that is produced by protein metabolism and excreted by the kidneys. Elevated BUN levels may suggest impaired kidney function.

3. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): eGFR is a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. It is calculated using creatinine and other factors, such as age, sex, and race. Monitoring eGFR helps assess kidney function and any potential changes while taking Zovirax.

4. Liver Function Tests: Liver function tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins that are produced by the liver. Zovirax can be processed in the liver, and in some cases, it may affect liver function. Liver function tests may include:

- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

- Total bilirubin

If you have any underlying kidney or liver conditions, your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring of these laboratory tests while you are taking Zovirax. The frequency and specific tests ordered may vary based on your individual situation. Your doctor will interpret the results and discuss any necessary adjustments to your Zovirax dosage or treatment plan.

For more information, consult your doctor or healthcare professional about the laboratory tests recommended while taking Zovirax.