Valacyclovir for Herpes Treatment

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes virus infections, including cold sores and genital herpes.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available by prescription for herpes treatment.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Valacyclovir FAQ


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What is valaciclovir used for?

Valaciclovir is used for the treatment of HSV and VZV infections, including: Herpes zoster (shingles): the typical dosage for treatment of herpes is 1,000 mg orally three times a day for seven consecutive days. Prevention of herpesviruses in immunocompromised people (such as those undergoing cancer chemotherapy)

What are the side effects of valacyclovir?

Elderly people may be more sensitive to some of the side effects of valacyclovir. Rarely, may cause side effects such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, or seizures. The risk is higher in people with kidney disease and those receiving higher than the recommended dosage of valacyclovir.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When should valacyclovir be used for genital herpes?

Valacyclovir works best if it is used within 48 hours after the first symptoms of shingles or genital herpes (e.g., pain, burning, or blisters) begin to appear. For recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, valacyclovir works best if it is used within 24 hours after the symptoms begin to appear.

Valacyclovir References

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