Precautions
Feb 01, 2022 · To help clear up your infection, keep taking valacyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Do not miss any doses. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Dosing . The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients.
Can you take aspirin while taking valacyclovir?
Feb 26, 2021 · Adult Patients: Cold sores (herpes labialis): -CrCl at least 50 mL/min: No adjustment recommended. -CrCl 30 to 49 mL/min: 1 g orally twice a day for 1 day; the 2 doses should be administered 12 hours apart. -CrCl 10 to 29 mL/min: 500 mg orally twice a day for 1 day; the 2 doses should be administered 12 hours apart.
Can you take Cipro while taking valacyclovir?
Apr 01, 2021 · How should I take valacyclovir? Take valacyclovir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Start taking valacyclovir as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
How long is the half-life of valacyclovir?
Feb 24, 2020 · For most initial herpes outbreaks and cases of recurring herpes, valacyclovir takes effect very quickly and provides some level of relief in as little as two to three days. Generally, the sooner you take valacyclovir after noticing symptoms, the faster it will be to provide relief.
Can I get valacyclovir over the counter?
Mar 31, 2022 · Valacyclovir treatment is best started within 24 hours of symptom onset (ie, rash, blisters, tingling, burning). Data suggests valacyclovir is most effective if started within this time. Keep valacyclovir suspension in the refrigerator and shake well before use. Discard any unused portion after 28 days.
How many valacyclovir do you take during an outbreak?
How long does it take valacyclovir to clear up an outbreak?
How do you take valacyclovir for suppressive therapy?
How long does it take for valacyclovir to help?
What should I avoid while taking valacyclovir?
What happens if you take valacyclovir everyday?
How much Valtrex should I take for suppressive therapy?
How do you stop viral shedding?
- Physical distancing: The further apart people are, the harder it is for the virus to spread to another person.
- Masks: Mask acts as a physical barrier that literally traps the virus particles so they can't spread to another person.
Does valacyclovir reduce viral shedding?
Does valacyclovir work after outbreak?
How much valacyclovir can I take?
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex Labialis
2 g orally every 12 hours for a total of 2 dosesHIV-infected adult (guideline dosing):1 g orally twice a day for 5 to 10 daysComments:-Therapy shou...
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex - Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host
Genital Herpes:FIRST EPISODE: 1 g orally twice a dayDuration of therapy: 10 days (manufacturer): 7 to 10 days (CDC recommendation)RECURRENT EPISODE...
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex - Suppression
Immunocompetent host: 1 g orally once a dayImmunocompetent host with 9 or fewer recurrences/year: 500 mg orally once a dayHIV-infected adults with...
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Zoster
Immunocompetent host: 1 g orally every 8 hours for 7 daysHIV-infected adult (guideline dosing):Acute Localized Dermatomal: 1 g orally every 8 hours...
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Simplex - Mucocutaneous/Immunocompromised Host
Genital Herpes with Concomitant HIV InfectionFIRST EPISODE: 1 g orally twice a day for 7 to 10 days (CDC recommendation)RECURRENT EPISODES: 1 g ora...
Usual Adult Dose For Varicella-Zoster
HIV-Infected Adults (guideline dosing):-Primary Varicella Infection; Uncomplicated Course: 1 g orally 3 times a day for 5 to 7 daysComments:-This d...
Usual Adult Dose For Herpes Zoster - Prophylaxis
HIV-Infected Adults (guideline dosing):-Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: 1 g orally 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days; begin 7 to 10 days after exposureComme...
Usual Pediatric Dose For Herpes Simplex Labialis
12 years or older: 2 g orally every 12 hours for a total of 2 dosesHIV-infected (guideline dosing):Adolescents: 1 g orally twice a day for 5 to 10...
Usual Pediatric Dose For Varicella-Zoster
Immunocompetent host:2 to less than 18 years: 20 mg/kg orally 3 times a day for 5 daysMaximum dosage: 1 g orally 3 times a dayHIV-Infected Adolesce...
Usual Pediatric Dose For Herpes Simplex - Suppression
HIV-infected adolescents: 500 mg orally twice a dayComments:-Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections Among HIV- Inf...
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).To make sure valacyclovir is safe for you, tell your do...
How Should I Take Valacyclovir?
Take valacyclovir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or sm...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Valacyclovir?
Taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing genital herpes to other people. Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other pe...
Valacyclovir Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to valacyclovir: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tong...
Valacyclovir Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose of Valacyclovir for Herpes Simplex Labialis:2 g orally every 12 hours for a total of 2 doses (4 g)Therapy should be started at the...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Valacyclovir?
Valacyclovir can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, inject...
Expert Q&A
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Tips
Taking Valacyclovir is a reliable way to treat cold sores. Since oral and genital herpes are caused by similar viruses (herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2, respectively), the same medication works to combat both types of herpes. If you have cold sores, doctors will typically prescribe you a high 1-time dosage of 2,000 mg of Valtrex.
Warnings
Always keep medications—including Valacyclovir—stored out of the reach of children. [18]
About This Article
This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. Dr.
Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex Labialis
2 g orally every 12 hours for a total of 2 doses#N#HIV-infected adult (guideline dosing):#N#1 g orally twice a day for 5 to 10 days#N#Comments:#N#-Therapy should be started at the earliest sign of a cold sore, e.g.
Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex - Suppression
Immunocompetent host: 1 g orally once a day#N#Immunocompetent host with 9 or fewer recurrences/year: 500 mg orally once a day#N#HIV-infected adults with a CD4 count of 100 cells/mm3 or greater: 500 mg twice a day#N#Reduction of Transmission: 500 mg orally once a day (source partner)#N#Comments:#N#-Suppressive therapy has been shown to decrease the rate of HSV-2 transmission in discordant, heterosexual couples when the source partner has a history of genital HSV-2 infection; in such cases, antiviral suppressive therapy should be part of a strategy to prevent transmission.#N#-In HIV-infected/HSV-2 seropositive persons not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppressive therapy did not prevent HSV-2 transmission to HSV-2 seronegative partners; suppressive anti-HSV therapy is not recommended to prevent HSV-2 transmission in HIV-infected persons not on ART.#N#-The frequency of recurrences has been shown to decrease over time and therefore continued therapy should be reevaluated at least annually.#N#-Safety and efficacy beyond 1 year in immunocompetent patient and beyond 6 months in HIV-infected patients has not been established; efficacy for suppression of genital herpes in discordant couples has not been established beyond 8 months.#N#-CDC STD treatment Guidelines may be consulted for additional guidance.#N#Use: As suppressive therapy of recurrent episodes of genital herpes and for the reduction of transmission of genital herpes in patients with a history of 9 or fewer recurrences/year..
Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Zoster
Immunocompetent host: 1 g orally every 8 hours for 7 days#N#HIV-infected adult (guideline dosing):#N#Acute Localized Dermatomal: 1 g orally every 8 hours for 7 to 10 days#N#-Longer duration should be considered if lesions are slow to resolve#N#Comments:#N#-Most effective if started within 48 hours of onset of rash; efficacy has not been established if started more than 72 hours after onset of rash.#N#-Safety and efficacy for treatment of disseminated herpes zoster has not been established.#N#-Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections Among HIV- Infected Adults and Adolescents may be consulted for additional guidance.#N#Use: For the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles)..
Usual Adult Dose for Varicella-Zoster
HIV-Infected Adults (guideline dosing):#N#-Primary Varicella Infection; Uncomplicated Course: 1 g orally 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days#N#Comments:#N#-This drug is considered preferred therapy for uncomplicated cases of primary varicella infection; treatment should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of chickenpox.#N#-This drug is preferred therapy in HIV-infected pregnant women with uncomplicated varicella during pregnancy.#N#-Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections Among HIV- Infected Adults and Adolescents may be consulted for additional guidance.#N#Use: For the treatment of chickenpox (varicella)..
Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Zoster - Prophylaxis
HIV-Infected Adults (guideline dosing):#N#-Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: 1 g orally 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days; begin 7 to 10 days after exposure#N#Comments:#N#-Varicella-zoster immune globulin is the preferred therapy for postexposure prophylaxis; oral antiviral therapy may be used when passive immunization is not possible; if antiviral therapy is used, varicella vaccines should not be given for at least 72 hours following last dose.#N#-Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections Among HIV- Infected Adults and Adolescents may be consulted for additional guidance.#N#Use: For HIV-infected person who has had close contact with a person who has active varicella or herpes zoster and is susceptible to the virus (e.g.
Usual Adult Dose for Varicella-Zoster - Prophylaxis
HIV-Infected Adults (guideline dosing):#N#-Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: 1 g orally 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days; begin 7 to 10 days after exposure#N#Comments:#N#-Varicella-zoster immune globulin is the preferred therapy for postexposure prophylaxis; oral antiviral therapy may be used when passive immunization is not possible; if antiviral therapy is used, varicella vaccines should not be given for at least 72 hours following last dose.#N#-Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections Among HIV- Infected Adults and Adolescents may be consulted for additional guidance.#N#Use: For HIV-infected person who has had close contact with a person who has active varicella or herpes zoster and is susceptible to the virus (e.g.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Herpes Simplex Labialis
12 years or older: 2 g orally every 12 hours for a total of 2 doses#N#HIV-infected (guideline dosing):#N#Adolescents: 1 g orally twice a day for 5 to 10 days#N#Comments:#N#-Therapy should be started at the earliest sign of a cold sore, e.g.
What are the side effects of Valacyclovir?
Side effects may be more likely in adults who are 65 or older. Common valacyclovir side effects may include: nausea, stomach pain; or. headache.
Can you take Valacyclovir with food?
You may take valacyclovir with or without food. Tell your doctor if a child taking this medicine cannot swallow the valacyclovir tablet. Drink plenty of water while you are taking valacyclovir to keep your kidneys working properly. Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible.
What are the symptoms of a syringe?
Call your doctor at once if you have: 1 confusion, aggression, or you feel shaky or unsteady; 2 hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real); 3 problems with speech; 4 a seizure (convulsions); or 5 kidney problems--little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums); red or pink urine, little or no urination; red spots on the skin (not related to herpes or chickenpox); feeling weak or tired; stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting; or. swelling in your face, hands, or feet. Side effects may be more likely in adults who are 65 or older.
What is the best medicine for herpes?
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.
Can herpes be passed to a baby?
However, herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy, so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born. Valacyclovir can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
How to prevent the spread of a virus?
Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to help keep you from spreading the virus to others. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.
What are the side effects of Valacyclovir?
Valacyclovir has several potential side effects, the most common of which (affecting more than one percent of users) are vomiting, diarrhea, headache and nausea. Less common side effects (affecting less than one percent of users) include the following: Vertigo. Dizziness.
What is Valacyclovir used for?
It’s used to manage outbreaks of both of the herpes simplex viruses, HSV-1 (cold sores) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). It’s also used in the management of shingles, or herpes zoster. If you have herpes, it’s extremely likely that you’ll be prescribed either valacyclovir ...
Does Valacyclovir cure herpes?
It’s important to know that valacyclovir doesn’t cure herpes. However, it does make the effects of herpes less severe, meaning the sores developed from the virus heal faster and the aches, cold symptoms and other signs of herpes can become less severe. If you have herpes, valacyclovir reduces the risk of you transmitting the virus to other people.
How long does it take for valacyclovir to work?
For most initial herpes outbreaks and cases of recurring herpes, valacyclovir takes effect very quickly and provides some level of relief in as little as two to three days. Generally, the sooner you take valacyclovir after noticing symptoms, the faster it will be to provide relief.
Is Valacyclovir a generic?
Valacyclovir is available as a generic medication or under several brand names. In the United States, valacyclovir is most commonly sold as Valtrex, which is the original trade name for the drug marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. Today, valacyclovir is available as a generic medication, meaning there are numerous different trade names in use.
What is Valtrex used for?
It’s used to manage outbreaks of both of the herpes simplex viruses, HSV-1 (cold sores) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). It’s also used in the management of shingles, or herpes zoster.
How long does it take to take valacyclovir?
May be taken with or without food. Valacyclovir treatment is best started within 24 hours of symptom onset (ie, rash, blisters, tingling, burning).
What are the side effects of Valacyclovir?
Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Headaches, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are the most commonly reported side effects.
What is Valacyclovir used for?
2. Upsides. Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes and varicella-zoster viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox.
Does Valacyclovir cure herpes?
Valacyclovir does not cure genital herpes or completely rid the body of herpes or varicella zoster virus. Valacyclovir is an oral tablet that only needs to be taken twice daily, compared to five times daily for acyclovir. This makes it more convenient for people to take.
How long does valacyclovir last?
This makes it more convenient for people to take. Treatment may last from one to 14 days depending on the condition being treated and the immunocompetency of the person being treated.
Is Valacyclovir better than Acyclovir?
Valacyclovir is better absorbed than acyclovir. This results in concentrations in the body that are comparable to those achieved with IV acyclovir. Does not appear to have any clinically significant drug-drug or drug-food interactions. Not metabolized by CYP enzymes. Generic valacyclovir is available.
Can valacyclovir cause seizures?
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.
Adult Dosing Recommendations
The recommended dosage of VALTREX for treatment of cold sores is 2 grams twice daily for 1 day taken 12 hours apart. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (e.g., tingling, itching, or burning).
Pediatric Dosing Recommendations
The recommended dosage of VALTREX for the treatment of cold sores in pediatric patients aged greater than or equal to 12 years is 2 grams twice daily for 1 day taken 12 hours apart. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (e.g., tingling, itching, or burning).
Extemporaneous Preparation of Oral Suspension
VALTREX tablets 500 mg, cherry flavor, and Suspension Structured Vehicle USP-NF (SSV). Valacyclovir oral suspension (25 mg/mL or 50 mg/mL) should be prepared in lots of 100 mL.
Patients with Renal Impairment
Dosage recommendations for adult patients with reduced renal function are provided in Table 1 [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5, 8.6 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Data are not available for the use of VALTREX in pediatric patients with a creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min/1.73 m 2.
How to take Valtrex?
Take Valtrex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Start taking Valtrex as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
Does Valtrex help with herpes?
Valtrex is used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years old, or chickenpox in children who are at least 2 years old. Valtrex will not cure herpes and will not prevent you from spreading the virus to other people. However, this medicine can lessen the symptoms of an infection.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums); red or pink urine, little or no urination; red spots on the skin (not related to herpes or chickenpox); feeling weak or tired; stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting; or. swelling in your face, hands, or feet. Side effects may be more likely in adults who are 65 or older.
What is Valtrex used for?
It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus to help the body fight the infection. Valtrex is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults.
What is the best medicine for herpes?
Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus to help the body fight the infection. Valtrex is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults. Valtrex is used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years ...
Can Valtrex be taken with other medications?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using. You may need dose adjustments or special tests when taking certain medications together with Valtrex.
Can you take Valtrex while pregnant?
a history of kidney transplant or bone marrow transplant. While Valtrex use in pregnant women is limited, there is no evidence of major risk to the human fetus from valacyclovir. However, herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
