Valtrex Medication - Uses & Side Effects

VALACYCLOVIR (Valtrex®) is an antiviral agent. Valacyclovir treats herpes zoster infection (shingles) or genital herpes infection. Valacyclovir is not a cure; it will help the sores heal faster and relieve the pain or discomfort. Valacyclovir can also be used to help prevent a genital herpes infection from coming back. Valacyclovir might help prevent genital herpes from being passed on to a partner who does not have genital herpes if it is used with 'safer sex' practices. Generic valacyclovir caplets are not yet available. Valtrex belongs to a group of medicines called anti-virals.

Valtrex Dosage

• The usual dose is 1 gram 3 times a day for 7 days.

Uses of Valtrex

• Valtrex is used to treat certain herpes infections, including herpes zoster (the painful rash known as shingles), genital herpes, and herpes cold sores on the face and lips.
• Valtrex is used to treat genital herpes, shingles, and cold sores.
• Valtrex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• Valtrex is also used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease following organ transplantation in patients who may be at risk of CMV disease.

Side Effects of Valtrex

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Valtrex. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain
• aggressive behavior
• agitation
• allergic reactions
• coma
• confusion
• decreased consciousness
• depression
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• facial swelling
• hallucinations
• headache
• hepatitis
• high blood pressure
• joint pain
• mania
• menstrual problems
• nausea
• rapid heartbeat
• rash
• visual abnormalities
• vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Valtrex:

• High doses of Valtrex have proved dangerous in people whose immune system is compromised because of HIV infection, bone marrow transplant, or kidney transplant.
• If your kidneys are not functioning properly, or you are taking drugs that may damage the kidneys such as Neomycin or Streptomycin, Valtrex can make your condition worse or affect your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
• Effects on the central nervous system are more common in older adults, leading to such symptoms as agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Their kidneys are also more likely to be affected; and those with kidney problems need a smaller dose. In addition, older adults tend to suffer the pain of shingles for a longer time after healing has begun.
• Valtrex relieves the symptoms of genital herpes, but it is not a cure. There's also no evidence that it will prevent transmission of the disease. To avoid spreading the infection, don't have sexual intercourse during a flare-up.
• Valtrex is not intended for use in children.

Drug Interaction :- If you are taking Valtrex with certain other drugs, the effect of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered. Check with your doctor before combining Valtrex with cimetidine (Tagamet) and/or probenecid (Benemid).

Overdose

The symptoms of an overdose of Valtrex are not well known, but an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a similar drug, may cause:

• seizures
• hallucinations
• kidney damage (decreased urine production).