Description
Valtrex (Valacyclovir) is antiviral drug approved by FDA for use by prescription in the US in 1995. The preparation is based on valacyclovir active ingredient and is primarily used for the treatment of herpes of various kinds (including genital and zoster types). The medication is designed to bring relief in herpes, and it doesn’t eliminate the disease itself.
How it works
Valacyclovir in its essence represents an improved version of acyclovir. The bioavailability of acyclovir, derived from the valacyclovir, is outperforming the original acyclovir by 5.5 times. When administered orally, Valtrex gets effectively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, transforming into acyclovir and valine. When receiving a valacyclovir dose of 1000 mg, the drug’s bioavailability equals 54% and is not influenced by food intakes.
In a study conducted by French scientists in 42 patients with various forms of herpes zoster, including its heavy forms, the drug demonstrated incredible treatment capabilities. The goals of treatment were elimination of pain sensations, acceleration of erosions and ulcers healing, prevention of further development of infections and a reduction in the frequency and severity of post-herpetic neuralgia. The drug was administered in 1mg dosage 3 times a day orally for seven days within the treatment of treatment, and clinical improvement was achieved in 100% of patients. Thus, Valtrex has confirmed the status of the most effective tool in the fight against the most difficult forms of the virus – herpes zoster.
How to use Valtrex (Valacyclovir)
Valtrex is designed for oral use. The treatment regimen is selected in each case individually, depending on the clinical picture. To maximize the efficacy of the reception, the therapy must be started at the earliest stage of the disease; the maximum efficacy is observed if the treatment is initiated during the first 48 hours of the development of disease symptoms (burning and pain sensations, rash, itching, etc.).
To treat the symptoms of herpes zoster the drug should be used for no less than 7 days at 3g daily dosage; the treatment may be prolonged if necessary. In Herpes simplex cases, Valtrex is assigned at 500mg taken twice a day. In the event of the recurrent disease caused by Herpes simplex, the treatment must be initiated with the first signs of the disease; on average it lasts for 3 – 5 days. In the first, more severe episodes, treatment period can be prolonged up to 10 days. For relapse prevention of diseases caused by the virus Herpes simplex, adults without any deficiencies in immune system are recommended to take 500mg of Valtrex daily. In the event of frequent exacerbations 250 mg dose taken twice a day can be appointed, while in the event of immunodeficiency 500 mg dosage twice a day is prescribed. In accordance with the instructions of Valtrex, the drug can be used as a preventive agent for CMV infections starting from 12 years old; in this case 8g of Valtrex split into 4 intakes are appointed. In this case the long-term treatment, up to 90 days, is likely to be assigned, with a possible increase in the event of high risk of infection.
The elderly patients undergoing Valtrex treatment are recommended to drink plenty of fluids. Although there are no proven risks in pregnant women, the preparation is assigned with caution. Consult your treating doctor before initiating Valtrex treatment course.