Valtrex(Valacyclovir, Valacyclovir hydrochloride)
Valtrex Review
Valtrex is an antiviral agent. Valtrex treats herpes zoster infection (shingles) or genital herpes infection. Valtrex is not a cure; it will help the sores heal faster and relieve the pain or discomfort. Valtrex can also be used to help prevent a genital herpes infection from coming back. Valtrex might help prevent genital herpes from being passed on to a partner who does not have genital herpes if it is used with 'safer sex' practices.
Valtrex - How to Take
If you are using Valtrex for genital herpes, begin taking it at the first sign of an attack. The medication may not be effective if you wait longer than 72 hours after the first attack or 24 hours after a later attack.
If you are taking Valtrex for shingles, you should start using it as soon as possible after your doctor has made a diagnosis. It's best to see a doctor and start the drug within 48 hours of first noticing the rash. If you wait more than 72 hours after you first get a herpes zoster rash, the medication may not be effective.
If you are taking Valtrex for cold sores, you should start using it at the earliest signs of infection, such as tingling, itching, or burning. If you wait until the cold sore develops, the medication might not work.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Valtrex can be taken with or without food. Taking Valtrex with food may decrease stomach upset.
Take all of the Valtrex that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. It is important to take Valtrex regularly to get the most benefit.
Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.
Valtrex - Recommended dosage
- Genital Herpes:
The usual Valtrex dose for the first attack is 1 gram twice a day for 10 days. For later attacks, the dose is 500 milligrams twice a day for 3 days. To keep the condition from returning, the dose is 1 gram once a day. If you've had less than 10 infections per year, your doctor may prescribe 500 milligrams once a day. The safety and effectiveness of Valtrex treatment beyond 1 year have not been studied. Patients with kidney problems or HIV infection may need a reduced dosage.
- Shingles:
The usual Valtrex dose is 1 gram 3 times a day for 7 days.
- Cold Sores:
The recommended dosage is 2 grams twice a day for 1 day, taken about 12 hours apart. Valtrex should not be taken for more than 1 day. The elderly and people with kidney problems may need a reduced dosage.
Valtrex Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with Valtrex are gastrointestinal upset, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or abdominal pain. There is also a possibility of headaches, dizziness or tremors (shaking). If you have any side effects that seem unusual or bother you, talk to your doctor about them.
Valtrex - Special warnings
High doses of Valtrex have proved dangerous in people whose immune system is compromised because of HIV infection, bone marrow transplant, or kidney transplant.
If your kidneys are not functioning properly, or you are taking drugs that may damage the kidneys such as Neomycin or Streptomycin, Valtrex can make your condition worse or affect your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Effects on the central nervous system are more common in older adults, leading to such symptoms as agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Their kidneys are also more likely to be affected; and those with kidney problems need a smaller dose. In addition, older adults tend to suffer the pain of shingles for a longer time after healing has begun.
Valtrex relieves the symptoms of genital herpes, but it is not a cure. There's also no evidence that it will prevent transmission of the disease. To avoid spreading the infection, don't have sexual intercourse during a flare-up.
Valtrex is not intended for use in children.
Valtrex Storage
Store Valtrex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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