Valacyclovir (Oral Route)
Name: Valacyclovir (Oral Route)
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Descriptions
Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes virus infections, including herpes labialis (also known as cold sores), herpes zoster (also known as shingles), and herpes simplex (also known as genital herpes) in adults. It is also used to treat chickenpox and cold sores in children.
In your body, valacyclovir becomes the anti-herpes medicine, acyclovir. Although valacyclovir will not cure shingles or genital herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores heal faster.
Valacyclovir is available only with your doctor's prescription.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Tablet
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of valacyclovir in children below 12 years of age with cold sores, and children below 2 years of age with chickenpox. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or
- Bone marrow transplantation or
- Kidney transplantation—Patients with these medical problems may have an increased risk of severe side effects.
- Kidney disease—The effects may be increased because of slower removal of this medicine from the body.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For treatment of chickenpox:
- Adults and children below 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Children 2 to 18 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 20 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, taken three times a day for 5 days. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg three times a day.
- For treatment of cold sores:
- Adults—2000 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours for one day.
- Children 12 years of age and above—2000 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours for one day.
- Children below 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of genital herpes, first outbreak:
- Adults—1000 milligrams (mg) two times a day for ten days.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of genital herpes, recurrent outbreaks:
- Adults—500 milligrams (mg) two times a day for three days.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- To prevent recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes:
- Adults—500 milligrams (mg) or 1000 mg once a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of shingles:
- Adults—1000 milligrams (mg) three times a day for seven days.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of chickenpox:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.