Valtrex: Effective Prescription Antiviral for Herpes Management
Valtrex
| Product dosage: 1000mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $5.63 | $169.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $4.68 | $338.00 $281.00 (17%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $4.38 | $507.00 $394.00 (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $4.22
Best per pill | $676.00 $506.00 (25%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 500mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $3.43 | $103.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $2.90 | $206.00 $174.00 (16%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $2.71 | $309.00 $244.00 (21%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $2.63
Best per pill | $412.00 $316.00 (23%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Valtrex (valacyclovir hydrochloride) is a prescription antiviral medication specifically formulated to manage herpes virus infections. As a prodrug converted to acyclovir in the body, it delivers enhanced bioavailability and targeted antiviral action against herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This medication represents a clinically proven approach to reducing outbreak frequency, severity, and transmission risk when used as directed under medical supervision.
Features
- Active ingredient: Valacyclovir hydrochloride (prodrug to acyclovir)
- Available in 500 mg and 1000 mg film-coated tablets
- Enhanced oral bioavailability compared to acyclovir
- Rapid conversion to active compound in liver and intestinal wall
- FDA-approved for genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox
- Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical quality standards
Benefits
- Reduces healing time during active herpes outbreaks
- Decreases frequency of recurrent genital herpes episodes
- Lowers risk of transmission to sexual partners when used daily
- Minimizes pain and discomfort associated with herpes zoster (shingles)
- Provides convenient twice-daily or once-daily dosing regimens
- Offers well-established safety profile with extensive clinical data
Common use
Valtrex is primarily prescribed for the management of herpes virus infections, including initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes, herpes labialis (cold sores), and herpes zoster (shingles). It is also indicated for chickenpox in pediatric patients and for suppression of recurrent genital herpes in immunocompetent adults. Additionally, Valtrex is used off-label for Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus management in certain immunocompromised patients under specialist supervision.
Dosage and direction
Dosage varies based on indication and patient factors. For herpes zoster: 1000 mg three times daily for 7 days. Genital herpes (initial episode): 1000 mg twice daily for 10 days. Recurrent genital herpes: 500 mg twice daily for 3 days. Chronic suppression: 500 mg or 1000 mg once daily. Cold sores: 2000 mg twice daily for 1 day. Take with water, with or without food. Initiate treatment at earliest symptom onset for optimal efficacy. Complete full course even if symptoms improve earlier.
Precautions
Maintain adequate hydration during treatment to prevent crystalluria. Use caution in elderly patients due to potential age-related renal function changes. Monitor renal function in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or those receiving nephrotoxic drugs. Not recommended during pregnancy unless potential benefits outweigh risks. Exercise caution in breastfeeding patients. Immunocompromised patients may require adjusted dosing and closer monitoring. Report any unusual bruising, bleeding, or neurological symptoms immediately.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any component of the formulation. Patients with advanced HIV disease or bone marrow transplants should not use higher doses without specialist supervision. Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <15 mL/min) requires dosage adjustment or alternative therapy. Not recommended in patients with clinically significant hepatic impairment without careful benefit-risk assessment.
Possible side effect
Common reactions include headache (13%), nausea (6%), vomiting (3%), diarrhea (3%), and dizziness (2%). Less frequently reported: abdominal pain, fatigue, rash, arthralgia. Rare but serious: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (particularly in advanced HIV patients), neurological reactions (agitation, hallucinations, confusion, seizures), renal impairment, hepatitis. Most side effects are mild and transient. Discontinue and seek medical attention for severe reactions.
Drug interaction
Probenecid and cimetidine may decrease acyclovir clearance, increasing plasma concentrations. Nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, cyclosporine, NSAIDs) may increase risk of renal dysfunction. Monitor closely when co-administering with drugs that compete for renal tubular secretion. No clinically significant interactions with oral contraceptives, antacids, or warfarin documented. Always inform healthcare providers of all medications, including OTC drugs and supplements.
Missed dose
Take missed dose as soon as remembered unless close to next scheduled dose. Do not double dose to make up for missed one. Maintain regular dosing schedule to ensure consistent antiviral coverage. For once-daily suppression regimens, take within 12 hours of missed dose; beyond 12 hours, skip and resume normal schedule. Consistent adherence is crucial for optimal suppression efficacy.
Overdose
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headache, renal impairment, neurological reactions (agitation, confusion, seizures). Management includes supportive care and hydration to promote renal elimination. Hemodialysis significantly enhances acyclovir removal (approximately 60% reduction in plasma levels during 4-hour session). Contact poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or emergency services immediately for suspected overdose.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) in original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed. Do not store in bathroom due to humidity variations. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after expiration date printed on packaging. Properly discard unused medication through drug take-back programs.
Disclaimer
This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Individual response may vary. Not all uses discussed are FDA-approved. Safety and efficacy in children under 2 years not established for all indications. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch program.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Valtrex reduces genital herpes recurrence by 70-80% with daily suppressive therapy. Patient reports indicate average 1-2 day reduction in healing time for recurrent episodes. 85% of clinical trial participants reported satisfaction with symptom control. Dermatologists consistently rate valacyclovir as first-line therapy for herpes management due to proven efficacy and favorable tolerability profile. Long-term safety data supports use for chronic suppression up to 10 years.