Valaciclovir - Dosage and Precautions

Valaciclovir is an antiviral medication used in the management of herpes virus infections including genital herpes and shingles. It is converted to acyclovir in the body.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescription medication available at pharmacies for herpes virus infections.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Valaciclovir FAQ


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What are the side effects of valaciclovir?

Valaciclovir, also spelled valacyclovir, is an antiviral medication used to treat outbreaks of herpes simplex or herpes zoster (shingles). It is also used to prevent cytomegalovirus following a kidney transplant in high risk cases. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include headache and vomiting.

What is valacyclovir used for?

What is valacyclovir? Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus to help the body fight the infection. Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults.

Is Valacyclovir a generic drug?

Valacyclovir oral tablet is available as a brand-name drug and a generic drug. Brand name: Valtrex. Valacyclovir comes only as a tablet you take by mouth. Valacyclovir oral tablet is used to treat viral infections caused by a group of viruses called herpes simplex viruses. It’s used to treat cold sores (oral herpes), shingles, or chickenpox.

Is valaciclovir a pro-drug?

Valaciclovir is known as a pro-drug. Once inside your body it is broken down into an active ingredient called aciclovir. It is used to treat infections caused by two common viruses - herpes zoster and herpes simplex. The herpes zoster virus is the cause of shingles. Herpes simplex viruses cause cold sores, and genital herpes.

What information is available on valaciclovir?

More information is available on valaciclovir including side effects, age restrictions, food interactions, whether the medicine is available at a government subsidised price on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) as well as other useful information.

Valaciclovir References

If you want to know more about Valaciclovir, consider exploring links below:

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