Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

What is Valtrex?

Valtrex (valacyclovir) belongs to a family of drugs known as antivirals.

What is Valtrex used for?

Valtrex is indicated for faster healing and treatment of infections caused by herpes virus in children and adults. Such illnesses include genital herpes, shingles (herpes zoster) and cold sores in adults, and cold sores (herpes labialis) and chickenpox in children. The medicine can also prevent an outbreak of genital herpes.

How does Valtrex work?

Valtrex works by slowing down the growth of the herpes virus so as to enable the body to fight off the infection.

How to use Valtrex

Valtrex should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. While taking Valtrex, drink plenty of fluids. It is advisable to take the medicine as soon as the first sign of symptoms start appearing.

If you are taking the liquid form of the medicine, do not use a regular tablespoon or teaspoon to measure the dose. Measure it with a special dose measuring device.

Valtrex warnings and precautions

Before using Valtrex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax). Also inform your doctor if you have a kidney disease, HIV or AIDS, conditions that weaken the immune system, or if you have recently had a bone marrow or kidney transplant.

If you are taking this medicine to treat genital herpes, make sure that you follow safe sex practices in order to lower the chance of transmitting it to the partner.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use Valtrex without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Valtrex dose?

If you have missed your Valtrex dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Valtrex overdose?

If you have taken a Valtrex overdose, you should seek medical attention.

Valtrex interactions

Before taking Valtrex, consult your doctor if you take methotrexate (Trexal, Rheumatrex), lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith); medicines used to treat pain or arthritis such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), indomethacin (Indocin), aspirin (Excedrin, Anacin), etodolac (Lodine), diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); ulcerative colitis medications such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), mesalamine (Pentasa); medicines to prevent rejection of organ transplant, such as tacrolimus (Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune); IV antibiotics such as amikacin (Amikin), amphotericin B (AmBisome, Amphotec, Fungizone, Abelcet), kanamycin (Kantrex), bacitracin (Baci-IM), gentamicin (Garamycin), capreomycin (Capastat), streptomycin, or vancomycin (Vancocin, Vancoled); cancer medication such as carmustine (BiCNU, Gliadel), plicamycin (Mithracin), streptozocin (Zanosar), aldesleukin (Proleukin), ifosfamide (Ifex), cisplatin (Platinol), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), or tretinoin (Vesan

Valtrex side effects

Valtrex side effects include hives, fever, weakness, fainting, bruising, bleeding, red spots on the skin (not related to chicken pox or herpes), nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, weight gain, backache (especially in lower back), mood changes, loss of appetite, seizure, pale skin, concentration trouble, hallucinations, confusion, aggression, agitation, increased thirst, decreased frequency or amount of urination, breathing trouble, problems with vision or speech; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Valtrex, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor right away.

Headache, dizziness, fatigue, mild skin rash, stomach ache, depression, menstrual pain, joint pain, sore throat and stuffy nose are some less serious side effects of Valtrex.