{"id":633468,"date":"2025-09-11T14:21:49","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T18:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=633468"},"modified":"2025-10-21T14:51:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T18:51:07","slug":"valacyclovir-interactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/valacyclovir-interactions\/","title":{"rendered":"Valacyclovir (Valtrex) interactions, side effects, and precautions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Valacyclovir<\/span><\/a> (brand name: Valtrex) is an antiviral drug<\/a> that\u2019s approved to treat infections caused by the herpes virus, like cold sores, genital herpes, shingles (herpes zoster), and chicken pox. While it can treat a range of herpes infections, it also interacts with certain drugs, alcohol, and pre-existing conditions may affect treatment too. It\u2019s crucial to understand valacyclovir\u2019s possible interactions, since they can worsen side effects and decrease the drug\u2019s effectiveness. Here\u2019s all the information you need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Valacyclovir drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even though valaclovir\u2019s label says it doesn\u2019t have any significant drug-drug interactions, there are still some medications that can influence how it works or increase the risk of side effects. They include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug class or group name<\/b><\/td>\nDrug name<\/b><\/td>\nInteractions\/side effects<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Other antivirals<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Adefovir<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Cidofovir<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Entecavir<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Foscarnet<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Tenofovir<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Potential increased concentrations and toxicity or kidney issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aminoglycoside antibiotics<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Amikacin<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Capreomycin<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Paromomycin<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Streptomycin<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Vancomycin<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Potential nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Immunosuppressants<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Cyclosporine<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Methotrexate<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Tacrolimus<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Potential nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Ibuprofen<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Diclofenac<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Naproxen<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Celecoxib<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Meloxicam<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Potential nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chemotherapy drugs<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Axitinib<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Bevacizumab<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Elevated levels, potential kidney damage<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Live vaccines<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Zoster (shingles) vaccine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
May reduce vaccine effectiveness<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
H2 blockers<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Cimetidine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Increased concentration<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Antigout medications<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Probenecid<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Increased concentration<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Antivirals<\/span><\/h2>\n

Valacyclovir and some other antivirals are excreted through the kidneys. Taking both at the same time can overwork the kidneys and sometimes <\/span>even damage them<\/span><\/a>. At the very least, it can increase the amount of the medications in your bloodstream, increasing the risk of adverse effects and toxicity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Typically, these interactions aren\u2019t serious, but they can be, so it\u2019s important to know what to look for. The <\/span>symptoms of kidney problems<\/span><\/a> include changes in urination, weakness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea, and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. If you experience any of these possible side effects, your healthcare provider might change your dosage or try a different drug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n