Details

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus to help the body fight the infection. Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults. Valacyclovir is used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years old, or chickenpox in children who are at least 2 years old. Valacyclovir will not cure herpes and will not prevent you from spreading the virus to other people. However, this medicine can lessen the symptoms of an infection. Valacyclovir can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when it is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. To make sure valacyclovir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis) HIV/AIDS, or other conditions that can weaken the immune system or a history of kidney transplant or bone marrow transplant. Do not give valacyclovir to a child without medical advice.

Typical Uses

Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. In children, it is used to treat cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex) and chickenpox (caused by varicella zoster). In adults, it is used to treat shingles (caused by herpes zoster) and cold sores around the mouth. Valacyclovir is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks, this medication is used to reduce the number of future episodes. Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It stops the growth of certain viruses. However, it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks. Valacyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps new sores from forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain remains after the sores heal. This medication may also be used to prevent another type of viral infection (cytomegalovirus) in some people.

Side Effects

Common valacyclovir side effects may include fever, pale skin unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums) red or pink urine, little or no urination red spots on the skin (not related to herpes or chickenpox) feeling weak or tired stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting or swelling in your face, hands, or feet.

Drug Interactions

• Valacyclovir+cidofovir- Using cidofovir together with valacyclovir is not recommended. Cidofovir may cause kidney damage, and combining it with other medications that can also affect the kidney such as valacyclovir may increase that risk. If you have been receiving valacyclovir, you may need to wait at least seven days after your last dose before you can start treatment with cidofovir.
• Valacyclovir+sirolimus- Sirolimus may cause kidney problems, and combining it with other medications that can also affect the kidney such as valacyclovir may increase that risk. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.
• Valacyclovir+tacrolimus- Tacrolimus may cause kidney problems, and combining it with other medications that can also affect the kidney such as valacyclovir may increase that risk. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

Mechanism of action

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug and belongs to class called synthetic nucleoside analogues. Once ingested, valacyclovir is converted in the body to active form acyclovir. It works by blocking the viral DNA replication a process essential for the virus to grow and multiply. It thus stops the virus from spreading in the body.

Pregnancy Category : B