Valtrex
Indicated to manage herpes zoster and herpes simplex virus infection to alleviate painful outbreaks and speed recovery.
Strengths: 500 · 1000mg
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Medicine details
- Conditions
- Alternative names
Valaciclovir
- Therapeutic class
Antiviral Agent
- Pharmacological class
Nucleoside analogue
- Contraindications
hypersensitivity to valaciclovir
- Precautions and warnings
maintain adequate fluid intake; use with caution in elderly patients
- Minor side effects
headache; nausea
- Moderate side effects
dizziness; abdominal pain
- Dosage forms
Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
Oral use
- Prescription status
POM
- Manufacturer
GSK
- Onset Time
1–2 hours
- Duration
8–12 hours
- Storage instructions
Store at room temperature.
- Drug interactions
nephrotoxic agents
- Age restrictions
Dose adjustment required for patients with renal impairment and the elderly.
Serious side effects
renal impairment — requires immediate medical attention; neurological symptoms — requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Indicated to manage herpes zoster and herpes simplex virus infection to alleviate painful outbreaks and speed recovery.
Mechanism of action
Valaciclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir. It is converted rapidly to acyclovir in the body, which selectively inhibits viral DNA polymerase, thereby interrupting DNA synthesis in herpes viruses.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed. Breastfeeding: Use with caution; monitor the infant.
Valtrex
Indicated to manage herpes zoster and herpes simplex virus infection to alleviate painful outbreaks and speed recovery.
Editorial Notes
- Active ingredient(s): Valacyclovir
- Listed indication(s): Herpes Zoster, Herpes Simplex
Usually available as
- 36 tablets - 500 mg128-500-mg-5940
- 24 tablets - 1000 mg128-1000-mg-5933