Uses of Valtrex

Valtrex (valacyclovir hydrochloride) is an antiviral drug, a specific inhibitor of DNA polymerase of herpes viruses that is commonly used in the treatment of the herpes virus.

Valtrex is used in the treatment of the herpes virus

Valtrex slows the rate at which the virus multiplies and allows the body's natural defenses to fight off the infection. Although Valtrex is used mainly to treat herpes infections, this drug has many different uses.

Oral Herpes

Valtrex can stop or slow the formation of a cold sore, which is caused by the herpes simplex I virus. When taken at the first sign of an outbreak (usually tingling or numbness on the lip or nose), two 500 mg doses taken about 12 hours apart is extremely effective at preventing large blisters from forming.

Genital Herpes

Valtrex can also be taken to slow or stop an outbreak of the herpes simplex II virus, which usually affects the genitals. Taking Valtrex is most effective when taken at the first sign of an outbreak, at a dose greater than that necessary for oral herpes (1,000 mg twice a day for 10 days). Taking Valtrex is still beneficial if taken up to 48 hours after initial signs of an outbreak.

Herpes Suppression

Because genital herpes is transmissible even in the absence of an outbreak, many individuals that have genital herpes choose to take a daily dose of Valtrex to keep the virus from becoming active. In a person that has frequent outbreaks, a dose of 1,000 mg a day is recommended. Individuals with fewer outbreaks (less than one per month) can take a dose of 500 mg per day with successful results. Taking Valtrex can also suppress outbreaks of cold sores, but because cold sores are not as serious as genital herpes outbreaks, prescribing Valtrex for this purpose is not a common practice.

Shingles

Valtrex can also be used to combat shingles, which is caused by a herpes virus. The length and severity of a shingles outbreak can be significantly reduced if a dose of 1,000 mg three times per day is taken within the first two days of the onset of symptoms (usually a painful rash).

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is another disease caused by the herpes virus and is successfully treated with Valtrex. The dosage of the drug is dependent on the weight if the patient is a child, but should not exceed 2,000 mg per day taken over two doses.

Contraindications

Valtrex should not be used in case of hypersensitivity to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any other components of Valtrex. Children, pregnant and nursing women should not take Valtrex as well. Valtrex is used only in cases where the potential benefits to the mother justifies potential risk to the fetus.

Valtrex Side effects:

Valtrex sometimes may cause adverse reactions that are listed below:

• headache
• nausea
• dizziness
• rash

Some other side effects not listed above may occur in rare cases. If you notice some unpleasant reactions, inform you physician.

Precautions

Patients with risk of dehydration, especially elderly patients, should increase fluids intake. Use in renal impairment: dose of Valtrex should be adjusted depending on the degree of renal dysfunction (this group of patients has an increased risk of neurological complications).

The use of higher doses of Valtrex with liver failure and liver transplantation: should be used with caution (information on the application of the drug in doses of 4 g / day and higher in patients with liver disease are absent). Special studies on the effect of Valtrex for liver transplants were not carried out. However, it is shown that prophylactic intake of acyclovir in high doses reduces CMV infection.

Use for genital herpes: Valtrex suppressive therapy reduces but does not completely exclude the risk of the infection transmission and does not lead to complete recovery. Valtrex is recommended to be combined with protected sex.