Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

Description

Valtrex is an antiviral drug that is used to treat viral infections. Valacyclovir hydrochloride is responsible for the antiviral properties of Valtrex.

 

 

 

Uses

 

Valtrex is used specifically to treat the various forms of herpes that may manifest in both children as well as adults.

 

In children, herpes simplex – a type of herpes – can cause the appearance of cold sores around the oral cavity.

 

Another form, varicella zoster causes the presence of chickenpox in young children as well. Valtrex can be used to treat chicken pox in children as young as two years old. Valtrex can be used to remedy cold sores in kids that are above the age of twelve.

 

In adults, Valtrex is used to diminish the effects of cold sores, shingles, and genital herpes. Valterex cannot be used to cure these diseases. They can reduce the number of times that the condition appears. It can also diminish the severity of the ailments. For instance, it can help to reduce the amount of sores that appear on the skin and let the ones that are already present heal faster.

 

It is important to note that Valtrex does not make you any less contagious. You can still pass on all of these diseases if you come into contact with other people.

 

Dosage

 

There is a precise amount of Valtrex that must be taken in order to achieve the maximum advantage of the medication. This amount will be determined by a medical expert. You should not digress from the directives that have been given.

 

Valtrex should be taken via oral administration.

 

For individuals with genital herpes, Valtrex should be taken in amounts of gram, twice a day. The treatment should be taken for days.

 

To treat shingles, Valtrex should be taken in 1 gram doses, three times a day. This is to be continued for 7 days.

 

For adult cold sores, the amount recommended is 2 grams, twice a day. The dose should be separated by a twelve hour interval.

 

For children older than twelve, the treatment for cold sores is 2 grams, taken twice in one day. The duration of the treatment should be a single day.

 

For those between the age of 2 and 18, chicken pox can be treated with 20mg per kilogram of body weight, taken three times a day. This treatment should last for five days.

 

Side Effects

 

The consumption of Valtrex may result in the presence of certain contradictory responses:

 

 Feelings of depression
 Increase in irritability
 Decreased appetite
 Unhappiness
 Fatigue
 Difficulty with concentration
 Problems with sleeping

 

You ought to confer with a medical expert if these indications continue.

 

Contraindications

 

 It is uncertain of the influence of Valtrex on a fetus. The presence of herpes in a pregnant woman can cause a great deal of harm to an unborn child. You should talk to a medical expert about whether or not Valtrex can be transferred through breast milk.

 

 Do not consume Valtrex if you are known to have an allergic reaction to valacyclovir or acyclovir.

 

 It is important to tell a medical expert if you have been diagnosed with HIV or another disease that may compromise your immune system.

 

 Valtrex can cause significant damage to your kidneys if taken for an extended period of time. You should not take other medications that may diminish kidney function while you are taking Valtrex.