Valtrex 500mg: Complete Guide to Uses, Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety

Valtrex 500mg is an antiviral medication that contains valacyclovir. Doctors prescribe it for certain herpes virus infections, such as genital herpes and cold sores. It may also be used as part of treatment regimens to prevent recurrent herpes infections in appropriate patients. Take Valtrex as directed by your doctor. Valtrex is a prescription medicine.

What Is Valtrex 500mg?

Valtrex 500mg contains valacyclovir , which the body converts into acyclovir. It works by preventing the herpes virus from multiplying. That means the medicine can prevent or lessen outbreaks, and lessen the severity and length of symptoms.

Importantly, Valtrex does not get rid of herpes viruses from the body permanently. Instead it helps to control the viral activity and can reduce the frequency or severity of some outbreaks.

Uses of Valtrex 500mg

Doctors may prescribe Valtrex for a number of herpes-related conditions. Typical Uses Include:

Herpes Genitalis

Valtrex can be used to treat first or recurrent episodes of genital herpes. It can also be used as suppressive therapy for individuals who have recurrent outbreaks. Daily treatment may also reduce the risk of passing genital herpes to a partner in some cases, although it does not remove this risk completely.

Cold Sore

Valacyclovir is also used to treat herpes labialis, also known as cold sores. When you see the first signs of a herpes outbreak, such as tingling, itching or burning, the sooner treatment starts the better. FDA recommends treating cold sores early as treatments are less effective after visible lesions appear.

Shingles (herpes zoster)

Valacyclovir is also used to treat herpes zoster (shingles). Antiviral treatment is most effective when started early in the course of the rash. “It’s important to get a medical assessment because shingles can cause a painful rash and can lead to complications.”

What does Valtrex 500mg do?

Valtrex is one of a class of drugs called antivirals. When you take valacyclovir, your body turns it into acyclovir. The active drug inhibits the replication of the viral DNA. It therefore helps to prevent herpes viruses from multiplying.

However, Valtrex is not an antibiotic and will not treat bacterial infections. It doesn’t cure herpes permanently either.

Valtrex 500mg Dosierung.

The right dose of Valtrex depends on the infection being treated and on other factors. For example, FDA prescribing information includes 500 mg twice daily for 3 days for certain recurrent genital-herpes episodes and 500 mg once daily for certain suppressive or transmission-reduction regimens. Other herpes infections need different doses.

So don’t use tablet strength as the basis for dosage selection. Follow the prescription your doctor has given you.

Dose modification may be required in patients with impaired kidney function. Adequate hydration is also important during treatment, especially in those at increased risk of kidney problems.

Most Common Side Effects

Like all medicines, Valtrex can cause side effects. Possible effects are:

• Headache
• Nausea.
• Stomach pain
• Throwing up
• Diarrhoea
• Dizzy

Most people don’t have serious problems, but any severe or persistent side effects should be discussed with a health care professional.

Side Effects – Serious

Serious reactions are uncommon. See a doctor for symptoms like severe allergic reactions, significant changes in urination, confusion, or a serious skin rash. FDA also warns about serious skin reactions with valacyclovir.

Important Safety Information

Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, are dehydrated, or have ever had an allergic reaction to valacyclovir or acyclovir before taking Valtrex 500mg.

Older adults and patients with kidney problems may have an increased risk of kidney-related side effects, especially if the dose is not properly adjusted.

Also, follow the directions on the medication. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If you miss a dose, do not double up on the next dose.

FAQs

No, Valtrex 500mg is not an antibiotic. Valtrex is the brand name for the antiviral medication valacyclovir. It is used to treat and prevent infections caused by certain viruses, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Antibiotics, however, are medications used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections.

No. Valtrex is an antiviral drug. It is directed against some herpes viruses rather than bacteria.

**Can Valtrex cure herpes forever?**

No. While it controls viral activity and can help control outbreaks, it does not remove herpes viruses permanently from the body.

Does Valtrex stop herpes transmission?

Daily suppressive therapy may reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances, but does not eliminate the risk of transmission.

Can everyone take Valtrex 500mg?

No. Your doctor will decide the best treatment for you depending on your infection, age, kidney function, medical history and other medicines you are taking.

Concluding Thoughts

Valtrex 500mg (valacyclovir) is a well known anti-viral medication used to treat a number of herpes-virus infections. It can help to control outbreaks, shorten symptoms in appropriate situations, and reduce recurrent episodes when used as suppressive therapy. But the correct dose and length of treatment vary widely from one condition to another. Always follow the advice of your health care professional. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, unusual or worsening.