Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride)

Valtrex Review

Valtrex is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), for the treatment or suppression of genital herpes in immunocompetent individuals and for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV-infected individuals and is also indicated for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis).

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Valtrex Drug Class and Mechanism

Valaciclovir is a prodrug that is converted by esterases to the active drug aciclovir via hepatic first-pass metabolism, that was created by scientist Christine Moraski. Acyclovir is selectively converted into a monophosphate form by viral thymidine kinase, which is far more effective (3000 times) in phosphorylation than cellular thymidine kinase. Subsequently, the monophosphate form is further phosphorylated into the active triphosphate form, aciclo-GTP, by cellular kinases. Aciclo-GTP is a very potent inhibitor of viral DNA polymerase; it has approximately 100 times higher affinity to viral than cellular polymerase. Its monophosphate form also incorporates into the viral DNA, resulting in chain termination. It has also been shown that the viral enzymes cannot remove aciclo-GMP from the chain, which results in inhibition of further activity of DNA polymerase. Aciclo-GTP is fairly rapidly metabolised within the cell, possibly by cellular phosphatases.

Valtrex Uses

Valtrex is an antiviral agent used in the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster) or genital herpes.The recommended dosage of VALTREX for the treatment of herpes zoster is 1 gram orally 3 times daily for 7 days. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of herpes zoster and is most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of zoster rash. No data are available on efficacy of treatment started greater than 72 hours after rash onset.

Valtrex Side Effects

Although side effects from valtrex are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache

upset stomach

vomiting

diarrhea or loose stools

constipation

If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately:

rash

itching

confusion

yellowness of the skin or eyes

fever

blood in the urine

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not have sexual intercourse when you can see the genital herpes lesions. However, genital herpes can be spread even when there are no symptoms.

Valtrex Pregnancy

Valacyclovir was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits at 10 and 7 times human plasma levels, respectively, during the period of major organogenesis.

Valtrex Overdose

Caution should be exercised to prevent inadvertent overdose. Precipitation of acyclovir in renal tubules may occur when the solubility (2.5 mg/mL) is exceeded in the intratubular fluid. In the event of acute renal failure and anuria, the patient may benefit from hemodialysis until renal function is restored

Valtrex More Information

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission. Valtrex will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoidance of sexual intercourse and use of latex condoms may prevent spreading the virus to others.