Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat
Herpes viruses such as shingles, Genital Herpes and Oral Herpes. It
works by inhibiting the replication of viral DNA that is necessary when
a virus reproduces itself. Valacyclovir is a so called pro-drug which
means that it isn't active in itself. Valacyclovir converts to Acyclovir
in the body and it is Acyclovir
that attacks the Herpes Virus. The duration of Valacyclovir is longer
than Acyclovir which means that it doesn't need to be taken as often.
Valacyclovir is the active ingredient in the brandname drug Valtrex produced by
GlaxoSmithKline.
Valacyclovir is a prescription only drug.
It does not cure any Herpes viruses but treats the symptoms and helps
keep Herpes viruses latent. For some people it eliminates further
outbreaks of Herpes.

How To Take Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir should be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms,
preferably before they are visible. High and few doses are preferable
to avoid developing tolerance to Valacyclovir.

Typical dosages of tablets to be taken orally:

• Treating Genital Herpes, first outbreak:
• Adults: 1 gram twice a day for ten days
• Children:Use and dose is dependent on age and must be
  determined by your doctor

• Treating Genital Herpes, recurrent outbreaks:
• Adults: 500 milligrams (mg) twice a day for three days.
• Children: Use and dose is dependent on age and must be
  determined by your doctor

• Preventing further outbreaks of Genital Herpes:
• Adults: 500 mg or 1 gram once a day for a year
• Children: Use and dose is dependent on age and must be
  determined by your doctor

• Treatment of shingles:
• 1 gram three times a day for seven days

Recently Valacyclovir is also prescribed for Oral Herpes as a one
day treatment. With 12 hours apart, 2 tablets are taken, each
containing 1 gram of Valacyclovir. The treatment should be started as
soon as the first symptoms of Oral Herpes (tingling or irritation
around the affected area) occur.

Side effects:

There are rarely any side effects from taking Valacyclovir. You
should however inform your doctor if you are

• Pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Taking any other medications
• If you have any drug allergies
• Suffer from any other ilnesses

The following side effects have been registered when taking
Valacyclovir but are not common:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following
side effects of taking Valacyclovir:

• Rash
• Blood in urine
• Fever
• Yellowness of skin or eyes
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Itching

If you think you have taken an overdose you should call a doctor
or Poison Control Center. Do not let anyone else take your
medication.

Store Valacyclovir in a dry room at room temperature. Keep out
of reach of children. Do not use if out of date. You can hand in
expired Valacyclovir at your pharmacy.

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