The antiviral drug valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by the varicella-zoster virus, also known as chickenpox or HSV (herpes simplex virus).
To help the body better manage the illness, the medication works by decreasing the growth of herpes. It turns into acyclovir after passing through the liver because valacyclovir, a prodrug (meaning it changes into another chemical in the body), is a prodrug.
Valacyclovir has a far greater level of bioavailability than the other herpes medications broken down by the liver, such as acyclovir, which is also used as an antiviral herpes medicine.
HSV-1 and HSV-2, VZV (chickenpox), the Epstein-Barr virus (also known as HHV-4, which is linked to some types of cancer), and the cytomegalovirus are all herpes virus species that are treated by the drug valacyclovir for both symptoms and outbreaks (CMV).
Valacyclovir is one of the most recommended medications for persons with the herpes virus since it has the greatest antiviral potency against HSV.
With a wealth of scientific data supporting its efficacy and safety record, valacyclovir is a drug that has undergone extensive research. Children with chickenpox and adults with cold sores and recurrent genital herpes are just a few of the many age groups for whom it is utilized.
The drug is produced by many companies. For example, Kangaroo Company produces Valacyclovir which has been effectively used to manage and treat herpes symptoms. It was first released in the 1980s.
Uses
The medication valacyclovir is used to treat viral infections. It treats chicken pox and cold sores around the mouth in kids with herpes simplex (caused by varicella zoster). It treats oral ulcers around the mouth and shingles (a herpes zoster-related condition) in adults. Additionally, genital herpes outbreaks are managed with valacyclovir. This drug is intended to lessen the frequency of recurrent breakouts in patients. Antiviral medication is valacyclovir. It prevents certain viruses from multiplying. It does not, however, treat these illnesses. The severity and length of these outbreaks are lessened with valacyclovir. It reduces discomfort and irritation, speeds up the healing process, and prevents the development of new sores. The duration of pain after the sores may be shortened with the use of this medicine.
Uses for Valacyclovir
Before taking valacyclovir and each time you obtain a refill, read the Patient Information Leaflet if it is available from your pharmacist.
As prescribed by your doctor, take valacyclovir by mouth, with or without a meal. While taking this drug, drink enough fluids to reduce the risk of adverse effects.
Your illness, health status, and reaction to therapy will influence the amount and duration of your treatment. The dose for treating chickenpox in children is also determined by weight.
If you put off getting treated, it might not work as well. Valacyclovir should be used for shingles or chicken pox as soon as the first symptom or rash arises. Start taking this medicine for cold sores or
The most frequent adverse effects of valacyclovir, which affect more than 1% of users, include nausea, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Vertigo
- Confusion
- Rash
- Constipation
- Agitation
- Weakness
The following infrequent adverse effects (affecting less than 0.1 percent of people) are listed:
- Neutropenia
- Fatigue
- Anaphylaxis
- Hepatitis
- Signs of psychosis
According to the data, Valacyclovir is an amino acid ester prodrug of acyclovir. It is now licensed for treating recurrent genital herpes in immunocompetent individuals and herpes zoster infections (1 g for 7 days) (500 mg bid for 5 d). Before systemic exposure, Valacyclovir is rapidly and almost entirely hydrolyzed to acyclovir. Valacyclovir has a 54% bioavailability compared to oral acyclovir’s 20% bioavailability. The plasma AUC of acyclovir after verbal valacyclovir delivery approaches was found after an intravenous injection of 10 mg/kg every 8 hours at greater doses (2 g bid). According to clinical evidence, Valacyclovir is at least as efficient as acyclovir at the reputation of post herpetic neuralgia pain, as well as the length of the episode and the time it takes for genital lesions to heal.
Assumptions:
Valacyclovir is at least as effective as acyclovir but has better bioavailability. Acyclovir is an excellent choice for future research of herpes group virus infections in immunocompromised people due to its good safety profile and greater systemic exposure.
