Valaciclovir

Commonly Used Dosage Guidelines for Valaciclovir.

Always take this medication exactly as your doctor has instructed. 

For the treatment of HSV infections of the skin and genital herpes:

• The usual dose is 500mg (one 500mg tablet or two 250mg tablets) twice a day
• For a first-time infection, dosages may be different

For the treatment of shingles :

• The usual dose is one 1000mg (one 1000mg tablet or two 500mg tablets) three times a day

For treatment of cold sores:

• The usual dose is one 2000mg (two 1000mg tablets or four 500mg tablets) twice a day

For preventing HSV infections from returning after you have had them:

• The usual dose is one 500mg tablet once a day

For the prevention of CMV :

• The usual dose is one 2000mg (two 1000mg tablets or four 500mg tablets) four times a day

Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. No information listed on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undergoing a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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Valaciclovir belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside analogues. It is also used to prevent cytomegalovirus infection following transplantation. It works by inhibiting the growth of viruses. Take valaciclovir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

To treat herpes simplex: For treatment, take valaciclovir by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times a day for 5 to 10 days.

To prevent recurrent genital herpes: For prevention, take valaciclovir by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily, therapy to be interrupted every 6–12 months to reassess recurrence frequency.

To treat herpes zoster: For treatment, take valaciclovir by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day for 7 days.

Valaciclovir may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Taking it with food may decrease upset stomach.

To prevent cytomegalovirus infection following transplantation: For prevention, take valaciclovir by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. 

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Treatment with valaciclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). Continue to take valaciclovir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking valaciclovir without talking to your doctor.

To make sure valaciclovir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

-kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

-a weak immune system; or

-if you are receiving cancer treatment with drugs that weaken the body's immune system.

Valaciclovir can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby while taking this medicine. Do not give this medication to anyone without medical advice.

Take valaciclovir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.