Valacyclovir (Valcivir) 500 mg Tablet is a DNA polymerase nucleoside inhibitor, an antiviral drug used to control and treat herpes infections. Each pill contains 500 mg Valacyclovir as its active ingredient.
Drug = Valacyclovir
Strength = 500 mg
How to take
This medicine may be taken with or without food. May be taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
Try to take it at the same time each day. It must be taken regularly for it to be effective.
Take exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Dosage of Valacyclovir (Valcivir) 500 Mg Tablet
Genital herpes, Herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes:
Adult: Immunocompetent patients: 500 mg twice a day for 3-5 days for recurrent episodes or up to 10 days for initial episodes. Immunocompromised patients: 1,000 mg twice a day for at least five days for recurrent episodes or up to 10 days for initial episodes. Treatment duration is based on the severity of the clinical condition and immunological status.
Herpes zoster (shingles), Herpes zoster ophthalmicus:
Adult: Immunocompetent patients: 1,000 mg three times a day for seven days. Immunocompromised patients: 1,000 mg three times a day for at least seven days and 2 days after crusting of lesions.
Herpes labialis:
Adult: 2,000 mg 12 hourly for 1 day.
Prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infections in immunocompromised patients:
Adult: Patient following solid organ transplantation: 2,000 mg four times daily, usually for 90 days according to patient response.
Suppression of recurrent herpes simplex:
Adult: Immunocompetent patients: 500 mg once daily. Patient with ≥ten relapses a year: 250 mg twice a day. Immunocompromised patients: 500 mg twice a day. Re-evaluate treatment after 6-12 months of therapy.
Missed Dose of Valacyclovir (Valcivir) 500 Mg Tablet
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double a dose under any circumstances.
Overdose of Valacyclovir (Valcivir) 500 Mg Tablet
If you think you may have used Valaciclovir more than the usual dose, please seek medical help immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
- Acute renal failure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Decreased consciousness
- Coma
Contraindications
People with the following medical conditions should not take Valaciclovir:
- Hypersensitivity
Side Effects
Valaciclovir may have the following side effects:
- Acute renal failure
- Agitation
- Hallucination
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Seizures
- Encephalopathy
- Thrombocytopenia
- Leucopenia
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Ataxia
- Fever
- Urticaria
- Anaphylaxis (rare)
- Angioedema
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Dehydration
- Arthralgia
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Decreased consciousness
- Tremor
- Dysarthria
- Renal pain
- Hematuria
- Dysmenorrhea
- Nasopharyngitis
- Dyspnea
- Rashes
- Pruritus
- Photosensitivity
Potentially Fatal:
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome
Warnings
Do not take Valacyclovir with the following medicines:
- Aminoglycosides
- Organoplatinum compounds
- Iodinated contrast media
- Methotrexate
- Pentamidine
- Foscarnet
- Ciclosporin
- Tacrolimus
- Probenecid
- Cimetidine
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Valacyclovir.
How Does It Work?
Valaciclovir is rapidly converted to aciclovir, then converted by the virus-specific enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) to aciclovir monophosphate, and then further converted by other cellular enzymes to acyclovir triphosphate. By competing with deoxyguanosine triphosphate for viral DNA polymerase and being integrated into viral DNA, Aciclovir triphosphate competitively inhibits viral DNA synthesis and replication.
Uses
Valaciclovir is used to treat the following conditions:
- Herpes zoster (shingles)
- Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
- Herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes
- Genital herpes
- Herpes labialis
- Suppression of recurrent herpes simplex
- Prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infections in immunocompromised patients
Special Precautions and Connected Warnings
Take special precautions if you have the following conditions:
- Patients inadequately hydrated or at risk of dehydration
- Immunocompromised patients
- Renal and hepatic impairment
- Elderly
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
Storage Conditions
- Store between 15-25°C.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- Do not use Valaciclovir that is expired or out of date.
