Valtrex is a prescription anti-viral medication used to treat conditions caused by the herpes virus. Most commonly it is used to treat genital herpes but can also be used to treat shingles, cold sores, and chicken pox. Valtrex is not a cure for herpes; it is used to slow the growth, transmission, and symptoms caused by the virus.
Valtrex is the brand name for the drug valacyclovir hydrochloride, and has been approved for use in the US since 1995.Valtrex must be prescribed by a doctor and should be taken under medical supervision due to the risk of potential side effects. Valtrex is available in caplets and liquid form. Children as young as two years old can take Valtrex for the treatment of chicken pox; treatment is usually administered for a period of five days, three times daily. When taking liquid Valtrex, it is important to accurately measure each dose with a medicine cup. Adults and children ages 12 and over can use Valtrex for the treatment of cold sores. Usual dosage is two grams every 12 hours for one day only.
Valtrex is the brand name for the drug valacyclovir hydrochloride, and has been approved for use in the US since 1995.Valtrex must be prescribed by a doctor and should be taken under medical supervision due to the risk of potential side effects. Valtrex is available in caplets and liquid form. Children as young as two years old can take Valtrex for the treatment of chicken pox; treatment is usually administered for a period of five days, three times daily. When taking liquid Valtrex, it is important to accurately measure each dose with a medicine cup. Adults and children ages 12 and over can use Valtrex for the treatment of cold sores. Usual dosage is two grams every 12 hours for one day only.
Valtrex Treatment
For the treatment of shingles, Valtrex is administered three times daily for seven days. When treating genital herpes, the drug should be taken within one to two days of initial symptoms of burning and tingling in order for it to be most effective. For an initial outbreak, one gram twice daily is generally prescribed for a period of ten days. Recurrent episodes are treated with 500 milligrams twice daily for three days.
Ingredients
Valaciclovir
Valtrex tablets contain the active ingredient valaciclovir. Valaciclovir is known as a pro-drug. Once inside the body it is broken down into the active ingredient aciclovir, which is an antiviral medicine used to treat infections with herpes viruses. These include the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes (herpes simplex 1 and 2) and the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles (varicella zoster or herpes varicellae).
Aciclovir works by stopping these herpes viruses from reproducing and infecting more cells in the body.In patients with frequent outbreaks, and patients with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV, Valtrex can be used as a suppressive therapy, and taken on a once daily basis. Those with certain medical conditions should use caution when taking Valtrex because of the increased risk for side effects. This includes conditions such as advanced HIV, kidney disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and those who have had organ or bone marrow transplants. In addition, those over the age of 65 have a higher risk of side effects from this drug.
Aciclovir works by stopping these herpes viruses from reproducing and infecting more cells in the body.In patients with frequent outbreaks, and patients with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV, Valtrex can be used as a suppressive therapy, and taken on a once daily basis. Those with certain medical conditions should use caution when taking Valtrex because of the increased risk for side effects. This includes conditions such as advanced HIV, kidney disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and those who have had organ or bone marrow transplants. In addition, those over the age of 65 have a higher risk of side effects from this drug.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include joint pain, skin rash, sore throat, stuffy nose, dizziness, headache, fatigue, depression, stomach pain, and nausea. More serious possible side effects include seizures, visual disturbances, problems with speech, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, trouble concentrating, shortness of breath, swelling, increased thirst, mood changes, vomiting, and drowsiness.
A doctor should be notified at once when serious symptoms occur. Medical attention should also be sought as soon as possible if side effects indicate damage to red blood cells through bleeding, bruising, fever, red spots on skin, bloody diarrhea, yellow skin, paleness, weakness, fainting, and sudden decrease in urination.
In addition, if an allergic reaction to Valtrex occurs, emergency medical help must be sought for symptoms of difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the throat or tongue.Valtrex is intended to suppress herpes outbreaks and thereby lessen the severity of symptoms. Since it does not actually kill the virus, it is still possible for transmission to occur. Therefore, even when taking Valtrex, safe sex and proper hygienic practices are necessary in order to prevent infecting others with the herpes virus.
A doctor should be notified at once when serious symptoms occur. Medical attention should also be sought as soon as possible if side effects indicate damage to red blood cells through bleeding, bruising, fever, red spots on skin, bloody diarrhea, yellow skin, paleness, weakness, fainting, and sudden decrease in urination.
In addition, if an allergic reaction to Valtrex occurs, emergency medical help must be sought for symptoms of difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the throat or tongue.Valtrex is intended to suppress herpes outbreaks and thereby lessen the severity of symptoms. Since it does not actually kill the virus, it is still possible for transmission to occur. Therefore, even when taking Valtrex, safe sex and proper hygienic practices are necessary in order to prevent infecting others with the herpes virus.