Valacyclovir
About
Valacyclovir contains a class of antiviral medication, valaciclovir, 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). Valacyclovir does not cure herpes but instead does not allow the infection to spread and treat its symptoms.
Valacyclovir contains valacyclovir, which is an antiviral medication. Valacyclovir 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.
Valacyclovir 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 Valacyclovir. Sometimes, you may experience headaches, dizziness, feeling sick (nausea or vomiting), diarrhoea, and skin that is sensitive to sunlight. Most of these side effects of Valacyclovir 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 Valacyclovir if you are allergic to Valacyclovir, valacyclovir, or any of its ingredients. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant, currently 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 Valacyclovir, as a dose adjustment may be required.
Uses of Valacyclovir
Medicinal Benefits
Valacyclovir contains Valacyclovir, which is an antiviral medication. Valacyclovir 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, slowing the clearing up of the viral infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Valacyclovir
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
- Itching (pruritus)
- Skin sensitivity to sunlight
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Valacyclovir if you are allergic to Valacyclovir or 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, a heart problem or history of heart problems, have HIV/AIDS, are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, Valacyclovir should be taken with caution and only if a doctor prescribes you. Valacyclovir may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position, especially when you start taking Valacyclovir so please get up gradually. Also, do not drive a car or operate machinery requiring concentration as Valacyclovir may cause dizziness. Please do not take Valacyclovir if you have ever developed a rash due to a 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 Valacyclovir, as a dose adjustment may be required. Drinking plenty of fluid as Valacyclovir can cause dehydration and kidney damage.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Valacyclovir 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: Valacyclovir 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 Valacyclovir.
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
cautionAlcohol is not known to cause any unpleasant side effects if taken along with Valacyclovir. But intake of alcohol with Valacyclovir may damage your liver. So intake of Valacyclovir should be avoided with Valacyclovir.
Pregnancy
cautionValacyclovir is a pregnancy Category B medicine. It is not known whether Valacyclovir will affect pregnant women or fetus or not. Hence, the intake of Valacyclovir should be only if prescribed and under medical supervision.
Breast Feeding
cautionValacyclovir is a pregnancy Category B medicine. It is not known whether Valacyclovir will pass through the milk in breastfeeding women or not. Hence, Valacyclovir should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor and under medical supervision.
Driving
unsafeValacyclovir can affect alertness and coordination. So, operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
Liver
cautionValacyclovir to 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
cautionValacyclovir to 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
cautionValacyclovir should not be given to children below the age of 12 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Valacyclovir as they can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep.
- Try to include 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): It is a viral infection that causes a painful rash that causes red skin rashes and pain, 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
No, Valacyclovir 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.
No, Valacyclovir 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 Valacyclovir, 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, Valacyclovir 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 Valacyclovir without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Valacyclovir, 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.
