Valaciclovir
About
Valaciclovir belongs to the class of antiviral medication which is used to treat viral infections. It plays a vital role in treating cold sores (an inflamed blister in or near the mouth caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus), genital herpes (A common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores), and herpes zoster (a viral infection that causes a painful rash). Valaciclovir does not cure herpes but instead does not allow the infection to spread and treat its symptoms.
Valaciclovir contains valacyclovir, which is an antiviral medication. Valaciclovir is used in treating viral infection by preventing the multiplication of viruses in human cells. As a result, this stops the proliferation of viruses and produces new viruses, slowly leading to the viral infection clearing up.
Valaciclovir is taken with or without food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. Your dose will depend on your condition and how you respond to Valaciclovir. Sometimes, you may experience headaches, dizziness, feeling sick (nausea or vomiting), diarrhoea, and skin sensitivity to sunlight. Most of these side effects of Valaciclovir are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Consume only if the doctor prescribes you. Never encourage self-medication or suggest your medicine to someone else. Do not take Valaciclovir if you are allergic to Valaciclovir, valacyclovir, or any of its ingredients. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines. Use protection while having sexual intercourse to avoid the transfer of genital herpes (a sexually transmitted disease) to your partner. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking Valaciclovir as a dose adjustment may be required.
Uses of Valaciclovir
Medicinal Benefits
Valaciclovir contains Valacyclovir, which is an antiviral medication. Valaciclovir is used in treating viral infection by preventing the multiplication of viruses in human cells. As a result, this stops the proliferation of viruses and produces new viruses, slowly leading to the viral infection's clearing up.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Valaciclovir
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
- Itching (pruritus)
- Skin sensitivity to sunlight
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Valaciclovir if you are allergic to Valaciclovir or any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor about all other OTC medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. If you have kidney disease or kidney transplant, heart problem or history of heart problem, have HIV/AIDS, are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, Valaciclovir should be taken with caution and only if a doctor prescribes you. Valaciclovir may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position, especially when you start taking Valaciclovir so please get up gradually. Also, do not drive a car or operate machinery requiring concentration as Valaciclovir may cause dizziness. Please do not take Valaciclovir if you have ever developed a rash due to fever. Use protection while having sexual intercourse to avoid the transfer of genital herpes (a sexually transmitted disease) to your partner. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking Valaciclovir as a dose adjustment may be required. Drink plenty of fluid as Valaciclovir can cause dehydration and kidney damage.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: This medicine may have an interaction with medication containing iodine, blood thinners (aspirin), NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), anti-biotics (amoxicillin), anti-allergy medications (cetirizine), beta-blockers (metoprolol), Vitamin B12, Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).
Drug-Food Interactions: Valaciclovir interacts with non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Also, alcohol consumption and drinks containing caffeine should not be taken along with Valaciclovir.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have or had renal dysfunction or disease, hemodialysis (a procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter called an artificial kidney, or a dialyzer, are used to clean your blood), and organ transplant, Immunodeficiency, bone marrow transplantation, and Neutropenia (lower-than-normal levels of neutrophils).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionNo interaction was found. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as a precautionary measure.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor; there is no substantial research yet on using Valaciclovir in breastfeeding/nursing mothers.
Driving
unsafeValaciclovir can affect alertness and coordination. So, operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
Liver
cautionValaciclovir should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionValaciclovir should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionValaciclovir should not be given to children below the age of 12 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Valaciclovir as they can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep.
- Including heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- Include turmeric or yellow mustard in your diet to avoid constipation caused by antiviral drugs and increase the intake of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Take enough Vitamin D and fresh air as it is known to improve the symptoms of herpes infection.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Herpes zoster(shingles): Herpes zoster is a viral infection that causes a painful rash that causes red skin rashes and burning. The virus lives in your nervous system for years before causing Herpes. It can appear on your face, neck, torso, and one side of the body. It can occur in and around the eyes, also known as ophthalmic herpes zoster. Antiviral medicines can help in the treatment of shingles(Herpes Zoster). Caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus.
FAQs
Valaciclovir contains valacyclovir, which is an antiviral medication. Valaciclovir is used in treating viral infection by preventing the multiplication of viruses in human cells. As a result, this stops the proliferation of viruses and produces new viruses, slowly leading to the viral infection clearing up.
No, Valaciclovir should not be taken if you have HIV (Human Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). It can increase the risk of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (blood clot formation in small blood vessels).
If you miss a dose of Valaciclovir, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No, Valaciclovir does not cure herpes infection. Instead, it reduces pain and itching caused due to it and prevents a new sore formation.
Do not stop taking Valaciclovir without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Valaciclovir, you may experience confusion, fever, mental state changes, or severe muscle stiffness. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually depending upon your disease condition.
No, Valaciclovir should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause unpleasant side effects. If you think your symptoms are not improving, please consult your doctor.
