What is Valacyclovir Hydrochloride
ValaciclovirThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryValaciclovir, 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.
Valtrexis the brand name
Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Valtrex
Valaciclovir
1995
229
Effectiveness
How Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Affects PatientsValacyclovir 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 bodyValacyclovir 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
Chickenpox
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Herpes Labialis
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Genital Herpes
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Shingles
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Genital Herpes
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Genital Herpes
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
HIV
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
non-immunocompromised
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Genital Herpes
, 1000.0 mg, 500.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Warnings
Valacyclovir Hydrochloride ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Valaciclovir may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Valaciclovir may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
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 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.
Acetaminophen
Minor
Valaciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Acetaminophen which could result in a higher serum level.
Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Toxicity & Overdose RiskValacyclovir 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.
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
Chickenpox
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1
HIV
49 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Herpes Labialis
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Genital Herpes
0 Actively Recruiting
Genital Herpes
0 Actively Recruiting
non-immunocompromised
0 Actively Recruiting
Genital Herpes
0 Actively Recruiting
Genital Herpes
0 Actively Recruiting
Shingles
16 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 1
Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Reviews: What are patients saying about Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?
5Patient Review
11/14/2021 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.
5Patient Review
1/3/2022 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!
5Patient Review
5/10/2022 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.
5Patient Review
5/11/2022 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.
5Patient Review
9/19/2022 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.
5Patient Review
4/16/2022 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.
3.7Patient Review
7/26/2021 Can cause extremely vivid and potentially unsettling dreams if taken before sleep.
3.3Patient Review
4/2/2022 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.
3Patient Review
2/10/2022 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.
2.7Patient Review
10/17/2022 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.
2.3Patient Review
6/4/2022 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.
2Patient Review
8/27/2022 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.
1.7Patient Review
12/3/2021 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.
1.7Patient Review
10/31/2021 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.
1Patient Review
9/28/2022 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!
Patient Q&A Section about valacyclovir hydrochloride
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." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
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." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
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." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is valacyclovir hydrochloride for?
"Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes virus infections in adults, including herpes labialis, herpes zoster, and herpes simplex." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer