Valtrex tablets 500 mg for virus infections (valaciclovir, valacyclovir, herpes, chickenpox)

What are Valtrex tablets 500 mg for viral infections (valaciclovir, herpes, chickenpox)?

Valtrex tablets contain valacyclovir hydrochloride, which is the hydrochloride salt derived from the L-valine ester of acyclovir. It belongs to the purine (guanine) nucleoside analogue drug class. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting viral DNA replication by deactivating and blocking viral DNA polymerase, resulting in the incorporation of the virus into the growing viral genome chain, ultimately leading to termination.

Valtrex tablets are effective against all members of the herpesvirus family, making them a versatile choice for treating herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and chickenpox. This medication is suitable for both children and adults weighing over 40kg, with a proven safety profile.

Active principles: valacyclovir hydrochloride

Amount: 42 tablets

Maker: GlaxoSmithKline K.K., Tokyo, Japan

Indications:

• herpes simplex, 
• herpes zoster, 
• chickenpox,
• suppression of onset of herpes simplex virus infection associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and recurrence of genital herpes.

How to take

For adults

• Herpes simplex: take 1 tablet (500 mg of valaciclovir) at a time, 2 times a day.
• Suppression of onset of herpes simplex virus infection (herpes simplex) associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: take 1 tablet (500 mg) at a time, 2 times a day from 7 days prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to 35 days after transplantation.
• Herpes zoster: take 2 tablets (1,000 mg) at a time, 3 times a day.
• Chickenpox: take 2 tablets (1,000 mg) at a time, 3 times a day.
• Suppression of recurrent genital herpes: take 1 tablet (500 mg) at a time, once a day. The dosage or frequency of doses may be adjusted according to the symptoms.

Children

• Herpes simplex:for children who weigh more than 40 kg, take 1 tablet (500 mg of valaciclovir) at a time, 2 times a day.
• Suppression of onset of herpes simplex virus infection (herpes simplex) associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: for children who weigh more than 40 kg, take 1 tablet (500 mg) at a time, 2 times a day from 7 days prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to 35 days after transplantation.
• Herpes zoster: for children who weigh more than 40 kg, take 2 tablets (1,000 mg) at a time, 3 times a day.
• Chickenpox: for children who weigh more than 40 kg, take 2 tablets (1,000 mg) at a time, 3 times a day.
• Suppression of recurrent genital herpes: for children who weigh more than 40 kg, take 1 tablet (500 mg) at a time, once a day. The dosage or frequency of doses may be adjusted according to the symptoms.

Contraindications: do not use for pregnant or breastfeeding women, patients with compromised immune function (malignant tumor, autoimmune disease, etc.), patients prone to dehydration (such as the elderly and those with chickenpox), patients with renal disorder, patients on dialysis.

Important information

Take more water than usual when taking this medicine unless you were given instructions to reduce fluid intake.

As this medicine may cause consciousness disorder, patient should pay close attention when operating dangerous machinery such as driving a car. Patients with renal dysfunction should avoid operating dangerous machinery or driving a car. 

Elderly patients have higher risk of adverse effects, particularly neuropsychiatric symptoms or renal dysfunction.

If an allergic reaction occurs, patient needs to stop using the medicine and consult with their doctor. If patient is taking any other medication or treatment, they should consult with their doctor in advance.