Valacyclovir Hydrochloride(val ah sye’ kloe veer)
Valtrex
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug Class
Antiviral
Therapeutic Actions
Antiviral activity; inhibits viral DNA replication and deactivates viral DNA polymerase.
Indications
Adults
Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles)
Episodic treatment of first-episode or recurrent genital herpes in immunocompetent patients
Suppression of recurrent episodes of genital herpes in HIV patients
Reduction of risk of heterosexual transmission of genital herpes to healthy partners when combined with safe sex practices
Treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis) in healthy adults and adolescents
Unlabeled uses: Episodic treatment of genital herpes in HIV patients, infectious prophylaxis in neutropenic patients
Pediatric patients
Treatment of cold sores in patients 12 yr and older
Treatment of chickenpox in immunocompetent patients 2 to younger than 18 yr; initiate therapy within 24 hr of onset of rash
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to valacyclovir or acyclovir.
Use cautiously with pregnancy, renal impairment, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, lactation.
Available Forms
Tablets—500 mg, 1 g
Dosages
Adults
Herpes zoster: 1 g tid PO for 7 days; most effective if started within 48 hr of onset of symptoms (rash).
Genital herpes: 1 g PO bid for 10 days for initial episode.
Episodic treatment of recurrent genital herpes: 500 mg PO bid for 3 days
Cold sores: 2 g PO bid for one day, given 12 hr apart.
Suppression of recurrent episodes of genital herpes: 1 g PO daily; patients with history of less than nine episodes in 1 yr may respond to 500 mg PO daily.
Suppression of recurrent episodes in HIV-infected patients: 500 mg PO.
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