Valaciclovir, also spelled valacyclovir, is an antiviral medication used to treat outbreaks of herpes simplex or herpes zoster (shingles). It is also used to prevent cytomegalovirus following a kidney transplant in high risk cases. It is taken by mouth.Common side effects include headache and vomiting. Severe side effects may include kidney problems. Use in pregnancy appears to be safe. It is a prodrug, which works after being converted to aciclovir in a persons body.Valaciclovir was patented in 1987 and came into medical use in 1995. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. In 2019, it was the 110th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 5 million prescriptions. Medical uses
Valaciclovir is used for the treatment of HSV and VZV infections, including:
Oral and genital herpes simplex (treatment and prevention)
Reduction of HSV transmission from people with recurrent infection to uninfected individuals
Herpes zoster (shingles): the typical dosage for treatment of herpes is 1,000 mg orally three times a day for seven consecutive days. Prevention of cytomegalovirus following organ transplantation
Prevention of herpesviruses in immunocompromised people (such as those undergoing cancer chemotherapy)
Chickenpox in children (ages 2–18)It has shown promise as a treatment for infectious mononucleosis and is preventively administered in suspected cases of herpes B virus exposure.Bells palsy does not seem to benefit from using valaciclovir as its only treatment. Adverse effects
Common adverse drug reactions (≥1% of people) associated with valaciclovir are the same as for aciclovir, its active metabolite.
In 2019, it was the 110th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 5 million prescriptions. Society and culture
Brand names
It is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline under the brand names Valtrex and Zelitrex. Valaciclovir has been available as a generic drug in the U.S. since November 2009. References
External links
"Valaciclovir". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Valacyclovir hydrochloride". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.