Valacyclovir 500mg Tablets

Product Introduction

Valacyclovir 500mg is an antiviral medicine used for herpes simplex infections, including cold sores and genital herpes, and for shingles. It can treat an episode or suppress recurrent genital herpes when a suppressive regimen is appropriate.

How to use

Take with or without food and maintain adequate hydration. Start episodic treatment promptly when the first tingling, burning or rash appears. The schedule differs substantially between cold sores, shingles and suppression, so these regimens are not interchangeable.

How it works

Valacyclovir is converted to acyclovir in the body. In infected cells, the active form inhibits viral DNA replication and limits herpes-virus multiplication.

Side effects

Headache, nausea, abdominal pain and dizziness can occur. Confusion, hallucinations, reduced urine output or severe skin reactions need urgent assessment, particularly with kidney impairment or dehydration.

Important information

Kidney function affects the required dose. Older adults and dehydrated patients are more vulnerable to renal and neurological adverse effects. Treatment reduces viral activity but does not remove latent herpes virus or eliminate transmission risk.