Valacyclovir may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus to help the body fight the infection.
Keep from freezing.Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2020Copyright © 2020 IBM Watson Health. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. All rights reserved.
These infections include oral and genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. Valacyclovir is used to treat viral infections caused by a group of viruses called herpes simplex viruses. Immunocompetent host: 1 g orally every 8 hours for 7 days12 years or older: 2 g orally every 12 hours for a total of 2 dosesHIV-infected adolescents: 500 mg orally twice a dayGenital Herpes and Concomitant HIV Infection in AdolescentsElderly: Dose adjustments may be required depending on renal status-Safety and efficacy have not been established in immunocompromised patients except for the suppression of genital herpes in HIV-infected adult patients with CD4 cell counts of 100 cells/mm3 or greaterHemodialysis: Patients should receive the recommended dose after hemodialysisAlways consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. For recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, valacyclovir works best if it is used within 24 hours after the symptoms begin to appear.If you are taking valacyclovir for the treatment of chickenpox, it is best to start taking valacyclovir as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash appears, usually within one day. -Genital herpes; Suppression in HIV-infected host: 500 mg orally every 24 hours-Herpes zoster: 1 g orally every 24 hours Severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 10 mL/min):-Herpes labialis: 500 mg orally as a single dose-Genital herpes; Initial episode: 500 mg orally every 24 hours-Genital herpes; Recurrent episodes: 500 mg orally every 24 hours If you are using the oral suspension, use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Select one or more newsletters to continue.
Do not double doses.Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. All rights reserved. The total daily dose equivalencies for these drugs to dexamethasone 6 mg (oral or intravenous [IV]) 20 are: Prednisone 40 mg Methylprednisolone 32 mg Hydrocortisone 160 mg Half-life, duration of action, and frequency of administration vary … However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. Available for Android and iOS devices. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).
Recurrent episodes: 500 mg PO q12hr for 3 days (no data on efficacy if started >24 hours after lesion onset) Suppressive therapy (immunocompetent patients): 1 g/day PO. Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults.
Do not miss any doses.