Safemedex

Valacyclovir (también spelled valaciclovir) is an antiviral prodrug that converts into acyclovir in the body. It inhibits viral DNA polymerase, effectively controlling replication of herpes viruses such as:

• HSV‑1 and HSV‑2 (cold sores and genital herpes)

• Varicella-Zoster Virus (shingles)

• Chickenpox in children aged 2–18

• Used in immunocompromised patients to prevent CMV post-transplant or recurrent HSV

Valacyclovir (also spelled valaciclovir) is an antiviral medication. After ingestion, it is converted into acyclovir, which inhibits viral DNA polymerase and prevents herpesvirus replication. It’s commonly used to treat and prevent infections caused by:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV‑1 and HSV‑2) – cold sores and genital herpes

• Herpes zoster (shingles)

• Chickenpox (in children aged 2–18)

• Prevention of recurrent HSV in immunocompromised patients or cytomegalovirus post-transplant in high-risk individuals 

• Typical Usage of 1000 mg Tablets

• Shingles (Herpes zoster): 1000 mg taken three times daily for 7 days 

• Initial genital herpes outbreak: 1000 mg twice daily for 10 days 

• Recurrent genital herpes: Usually 500 mg twice daily for 3 days, but some regimens may use 1000 mg dosing depending on physician advice 

• Cold sores (HSV labialis): Often 2000 mg every 12 hours for 1 day—this is a high-dose strategy for acute outbreaks and not continuous use