Valtrex in the treatment of viral infection

Acyclovir is the first drugs approved for the treatment of viral infections.

It works by acting the body cell affected by the virus. Painful vesicular rash is one of the most common symptoms of Herpes infection. The key factor in the treatment of viral infections remains the application of antiviral medication like Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).

Oral form of application is one of the most convenient for the majority of patients. Clinical studies showed that Valtrex can significantly relieve the symptoms of viral infection as well as their duration. Valtrex also helps to postpone and even eliminate the the occurrence of relapses. Valtrex belongs to a second generic of anti-viral drugs.

Creating a second generation of antiviral drugs have been designed to improve such properties as bioavailability in oral application and the optimal intracellular pharmacokinetics. Valtrex posesses a high safety profile and a some advantages over its predecessor - acyclovir which is traditionally used in the treatment of viral infections like Herpes Zoster type 1 and type 2, varicella zoster infection. Unlike the first generation anti-viral drugs Valtrex has an extremely high level of bioavailability. The bioavailability of Valtrex is 3-5 times higher than in acyclovir (Zovirax). In oral application the blood levels of Valtrex are comparable to the levels of acyclovir in intravenous application. The unique properties of Valtrex consist in its chemical structure. Valacyclocir represents a complex of L-Valine and acyclovir. This Valacyclovir feature allows to deliver proacyclovir directly in the blood in unchanged form.

Valtrex is approved to treat certain herpes infections, including herpes zoster (the painful rash known as shingles), genital herpes, and herpes cold sores on the face and lips.

Valacyclovir should be taken by mouth, with or without food or as directed by your doctor. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. This medication works best if you start taking the medication when you first notice symptoms. This medication may not work as well if you wait to start it. How soon you need to start the medication to get benefit depends on the type of infection. Dosage is based on the type of infection, your medical condition, and response to treatment.

To treat chicken pox or shingles, start taking valacyclovir at the first symptom or after the rash first appears. To treat cold sores or genital herpes, start taking this medication at the first sign of symptoms (such as tingling/itching/burning feeling). Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear. When using this drug to suppress/control outbreaks, take exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop taking this without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.

The most common Valtrex side effects include: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, dizziness, stomach pain, painful periods may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.