Valacyclovir Hydrochloride

Chickenpox, Herpes Labialis, Genital Herpes + 5 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride

What is Valacyclovir Hydrochloride

Valaciclovir

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Valaciclovir, more commonly known as Valtrex, is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes infections. It was approved by the FDA in 1995 and is used to treat genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted infection that affects over 400 million people worldwide. Valaciclovir works by preventing the herpes simplex virus (HSV) from replicating, helping to reduce the frequency of herpes episodes and outbreaks.

Valtrex

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Valtrex

Valaciclovir

1995

231

Effectiveness

How Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Affects Patients

Valacyclovir can be used to treat HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, and CMV. Taking valacyclovir for one or two days can reduce the length of cold sore episodes, and taking it for three to five days can help heal genital herpes sores. In studies, taking valacyclovir helped these sores heal faster and eased pain. Some viruses, like VZV, can become resistant to acyclovir if it is taken too often, so it is important to follow the recommended dosage instructions.

How Valacyclovir Hydrochloride works in the body

Valacyclovir is a type of medicine used to fight viruses like herpes, chicken pox, and other forms of the virus. It works by attacking the virus' DNA and preventing it from replicating. Valacyclovir is converted into its active form, Acyclovir, in the body. Acyclovir is then taken up by the virus-infected cells and is broken down into smaller pieces, which then block the virus' DNA from replicating. Acyclovir also stops the virus' DNA polymerase from working, which helps to keep the virus from spreading. Finally, it inactivates

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested dosage of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, like Genital Herpes, Herpes Labialis and Chickenpox. The measure of dosage is subject to the mode of administration (e.g. Oral or Tablet, film coated - Oral) described in the following table.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Herpes Genitalis

, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

Chickenpox

, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

Genital Herpes

, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

Herpes Labialis

, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

Shingles

, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

HIV

, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

Genital Herpes

, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

Genital Herpes

, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

Warnings

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Valaciclovir may interact with Pulse Frequency

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Valaciclovir may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Valacyclovir Hydrochloride.

Common Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Neomycin

Major

The risk or severity of nephrotoxicity can be increased when Valaciclovir is combined with Neomycin.

Tenofovir

Major

Valaciclovir may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir.

Tenofovir alafenamide

Major

Valaciclovir may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir alafenamide.

Tenofovir disoproxil

Major

Valaciclovir may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir disoproxil.

Abacavir

Minor

Valaciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Valacyclovir has an LD50 of 903.5 milligrams per kilogram in rats. It has not been linked to cancer, but it may cause mutations in cells when exposed to certain metabolic processes. It has also been found to be safe for use in pregnancy, but should be used with caution when nursing. Elderly patients and those with reduced kidney function may be more prone to developing toxic side effects from valacyclovir, such as changes in mental state or brain function. Doses should be adjusted for these patients to reduce the risk of toxicity.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?

Currently, 62 active clinical trials are examining the potential of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride to manage Herpes Labialis, Genital Herpes and other Genital Herpes-related disorders.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Genital Herpes

0 Actively Recruiting

HIV

40 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4

Herpes Labialis

0 Actively Recruiting

Genital Herpes

0 Actively Recruiting

Chickenpox

4 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Phase 3

Genital Herpes

0 Actively Recruiting

Shingles

4 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 1

Herpes Genitalis

0 Actively Recruiting

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Reviews: What are patients saying about Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?

5

Patient Review

11/14/2021

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Cold Sore

This treatment stopped my cold sore outbreak within 24 hours, and I'm on day two with no more burning or itching. I felt a bit dizzy but nothing too bad. Overall, this is something I would use again in the future.

5

Patient Review

1/3/2022

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Cold Sore

This medication is the only one that has been effective in treating my cold sores. I use it as soon as I feel the burning or tingling sensation and it prevents the cold sore from developing. I've been using it for years and am very satisfied!

5

Patient Review

5/10/2022

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Shingles

I get recurrent Ramsay Hunt (shingles in facial nerve which connects to brainstem). I have taken this for years and it makes me able to walk and close my eye and stops the infection if taken aggressively and with high dose steroids. Wouldn’t be without it.

5

Patient Review

5/11/2022

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Suppression of Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection in HIV

Took the two pills as directed and my cold sore vanished. I think it's important to take them at the first sign of a bubble. This medication is amazing.

5

Patient Review

9/19/2022

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Recurrent Genital Herpes

I find that if my stress level increases over something (like life itself, lol) it brings on a breakout. So I have taken it at the onset of a break out and I have taken it every day as a preventive. It works. I opt to buy the brand and not the generic. It still takes times for the blisters to heal, but it is quicker to heal, than without the medication.

5

Patient Review

4/16/2022

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Suppression of Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection in HIV

My partner and I take this for fever blisters, and it's been incredibly effective. We take a maintenance dose of one pill per week, but at the first sign of a blister, we'll take two or three pills per day for a few days. This is by far the best treatment we've found.

3.7

Patient Review

7/26/2021

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Genital Herpes

Can cause extremely vivid and potentially unsettling dreams if taken before sleep.

3.3

Patient Review

4/2/2022

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Shingles

The side effects of this medication are really terrible. I've been feeling dizzy and nauseous since starting it, and the pain behind my eye is getting worse. I'm not sure if it's actually helping with the virus at all.

3

Patient Review

2/10/2022

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for infection caused by a virus

I've only been taking this medication for a day, but I have high hopes. So far I haven't experienced any negative side effects, though of course it's possible to develop them if you focus too much on the possibility. I'll update this review as I continue treatment and let you know of any changes, good or bad.

2.7

Patient Review

10/17/2022

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Prevent Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection

This medication gives me terrible headaches. I feel immense pressure on the sides of my head and in the back of my skull. It also makes me dizzy and feeling off. I don’t know how much longer I will be taking this; the side effects are truly awful.

2.3

Patient Review

6/4/2022

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Shingles

The side effects from this medication are very unpleasant. They cause stomach and headaches. In fact, the side effects were so bad that I had to stop taking it after just five days.

2

Patient Review

8/27/2022

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Shingles

I was prescribed the generic of Valtrex for shingles by my doctor. On day five, I had really bad hallucinations in the middle of the night and my husband and daughter took me to the hospital. I had renal failure and was in the hospital for six days before coming home today.

1.7

Patient Review

12/3/2021

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Shingles

It's been three days and I'm no closer to relief. If anything, the pain has gotten worse. Not sure how this is supposed to help with my shingles.

1.7

Patient Review

10/31/2021

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Cold Sore

After taking this brand a few times, I realized it caused me to have a head cold each time. This never happened when I took the Teva brand.

1

Patient Review

9/28/2022

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for Shingles

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION. I had a bad reaction to it that landed me in the ER. I could barely think or walk, and my eye was swollen shut. Please be careful and do your research before taking any medication!
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about valacyclovir hydrochloride

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What should I avoid while taking valacyclovir?

"Avoid sexual intercourse. Avoid direct contact with infected areas. Avoid touching an infected area and then your eyes."

Answered by AI

What happens if you take valacyclovir?

"Valacyclovir may cause vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and nausea, which are the most common side effects affecting more than one percent of users. Less common side effects affecting less than one percent of users include vertigo and dizziness."

Answered by AI

Is a valacyclovir an antibiotic?

"Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug that stops the growth of certain viruses, but it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks."

Answered by AI

What is valacyclovir hydrochloride for?

"Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes virus infections in adults, including herpes labialis, herpes zoster, and herpes simplex."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride

Image of Midway Immunology and Research Center (1503) in Ft. Pierce, United States.

Islatravir + Ulonivirine for HIV

18+
All Sexes
Ft. Pierce, FL

Researchers are looking for new ways to treat HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1). The usual (standard) treatment for HIV-1 is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which includes taking medicines to lower the amount of HIV-1 in the body. Standard ART helps people live longer, but people must take up to 3 medicines up to twice a day. Standard ART may also cause other health problems. Researchers want to know if a study ART works as well as a standard ART to treat HIV-1. The study ART combines 2 medicines, islatravir and ulonivirine, and is taken once a week. The goals of this study are to learn: 1) If the study ART works as well as a standard ART to treat HIV-1, and 2) About the safety of the study ART and if people tolerate it compared to a standard ART.

Phase 2 & 3
Recruiting

Midway Immunology and Research Center (1503) (+4 Sites)

Medical Director

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Image of UCSF Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in San Francisco, United States.

MucoCept-CVN for HIV Prevention

18 - 45
Female
San Francisco, CA

MucoCept-CVN uses a Lactobacillus strain native to the human vagina that is modified into a live biotherapeutic product (LBP) that continuously expresses a potent anti-HIV drug. If research shows that MucoCept-CVN is safe and effective, it could become a self-renewing, female-initiated prevention product for women that promotes vaginal health and provides protection from HIV. The goal of this first-in-human Phase 1 dose-ranging, randomized, placebo-controlled study of MucoCept-CVN is to collect data on safety, colonization, changes to the vaginal microbiota and clearance of the strain with antibiotics. Twelve healthy women will be enrolled and take either one or three doses of MucoCept-CVN or placebo, and a week later will receive antibiotics to clear the Lactobacillus strain. If research shows that MucoCept-CVN is safe and effective, it could become a self-renewing, long-acting, female-initiated prevention product for women that promotes vaginal health and provides protection from HIV.

Phase 1
Waitlist Available

UCSF Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital

Craig Cohen, MD, MPH

Osel, Inc.

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DV700P-RNA + DV701B1.1-RNA for HIV

18 - 55
All Sexes
Birmingham, AL

This is a phase 1, first-in-human (FIH) trial for two vaccines, DV700P-RNA and DV701B1.1-RNA. This means it is the first time these study products are being tested in people. The purpose of this study is to see if the study products are safe, if people are able to take them without becoming too uncomfortable, and how a person's immune system responds to them (a person's immune system protects them from infections and disease). Forty-five volunteers without HIV and in overall good health, aged 18 to 55 years, will be enrolled and be in this study for about 16 months (about 12 visits), Study procedures will include blood draws, injections, and the collection of white blood cells and cells from their lymph nodes.

Phase 1
Waitlist Available

University of Alabama Medical Center (Site ID: 31788) (+11 Sites)

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SGLT2 Inhibitors for Metabolic Diseases

45 - 75
Female
Boston, MA

Women with HIV have an increased risk of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) as compared to women without HIV. One of the mechanisms underlying the increased risk of myocardial infarction among women with HIV may involve reduced ability to increase blood flow through large and small coronary arteries at times when increased flow of oxygen-carrying blood is needed. We are conducting a study randomizing women with HIV and either diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or both to health education alone or to health education plus referral to see either an Endocrinologist or a Nephrologist in a subspecialty clinic for consideration of treatment with medication in a class known as sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors are clinically approved for use in patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease but have been shown to be underutilized in people with HIV. One of our key analytic aims will be to test if SGLT2 inhibitor therapy results in improved blood flow through the large and small coronary arteries among women with HIV and either diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or both but who have no history of myocardial infarction. A second aim will be to test if subspecialty clinic referral (with or without SGLT2 inhibitor therapy prescription) results in improved blood flow through the large and small coronary arteries among the same group.

Phase 2
Recruiting

Massachusetts General Hospital

Markella V Zanni, MD

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