What is Valacyclovir? Uses, warnings & side effects
Valacyclovir is a generic prescription antiviral drug that treats herpes infections including cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. Valacylcovir is not the active form of the drug. Instead, the body turns it into acyclovir, the form in which it can fight off herpes infections.
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Valacyclovir overview
BRAND NAMES:
Valtrex
Generic Names:
Valacyclovir HCI
Uses:
Treats herpes virus infections, including shingles, cold sores, chickenpox, and genital herpes.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antiviral
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Valacyclovir used for?
The FDA has approved valacyclovir to treat herpes infections including genital herpes, cold sores, chickenpox, and shingles. Valacyclovir does not cure herpes. Instead, it’s used to more quickly resolve symptomatic flare-ups or prevent outbreaks when there are no symptoms.
What form(s) does Valacyclovir come in?
Tablet
500 mg
1,000 mg
What are common Valacyclovir dosages?
For cold sores in adults and adolescents: 2,000 mg taken orally every 12 hours for 1 day
For genital herpes in adults: 1,000 mg taken orally every 12 hours for 7–10 days for the initial episode, 500 mg taken orally every 12 hours for 3 days for recurrent episodes, 1,000 mg taken orally once per day to suppress genital herpes
For shingles in adults: 1,000 mg taken every 8 hours for 7 days
For chickenpox in children 2 years of age and older: 20 mg/kg dose taken by mouth every 8 hours for 5 days
Dosages will be different for people with weakened immune systems or who are also infected with HIV. For more details, read more about valayclovir dosages, forms, and strengths page here.
Valacyclovir images - What does Valacyclovir look like?
valACYclovir HCl
1gm tabletvalACYclovir HCl
500mg tablet
How to take Valacyclovir
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine works best when you take it at the first sign of a herpes breakout.
Valtrex tablets can be taken with or without food.
Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
A pharmacist can prepare a valacyclovir oral suspension (liquid) for easier dosing. The pharmacist will supply you with dosing and storage instructions.
Store valacyclovir in a closed container at room temperature protected from moisture.
What to do if you miss a dose of Valacyclovir
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Valacyclovir contraindications - Who shouldn't take Valacyclovir?
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to valacyclovir or acyclovir.
Valacyclovir warnings
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if:
You have HIV or AIDS
You have had a bone marrow or kidney transplant
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Kidney problems or kidney failure
Nervous system problems such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, and delirium
People with an HIV infection or a recent bone marrow or kidney transplant who take valacyclovir could experience a potentially fatal side effect called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS).
Do not have sex while you have herpes sores. Valacyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex.
Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others. Always use condoms made from latex or polyurethane when you have sexual contact.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or change how you take it, without talking to your doctor.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Valacyclovir interactions & what to avoid when taking Valacyclovir
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking valacyclovir.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Valacyclovir side effects - How does Valacyclovir make you feel?
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:
Symptoms of TTP/HUS:
Pinpoint red spots on your skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in your urine or stools
Headache, confusion, fever
Fast heartbeat, fainting, or extreme weakness
Pale or yellow skin
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Problems with walking, speaking, or coordination, seeing or hearing things that are not there
Seizures or tremors
Confusion, agitation, depression, hallucinations, delirium, or similar mental changes
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Headache
Nausea
Stomach pain
Sources:
Valtrex valacyclovir hydrochloride tablet prescribing information, DailyMed, NIH National Library of Medicine
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