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Valtrex Generic Name & Formulations
Legal Class
Rx
General Description
Valacyclovir (as HCl) (prodrug of acyclovir) 500mg, 1g+; tabs; +scored.
Pharmacological Class
Nucleoside analogue.
How Supplied
Tabs—30, 90
Manufacturer
Valtrex Indications
Indications
Treatment of herpes labialis or herpes zoster. Treatment of initial or recurrent episodes of genital herpes in immunocompetent adults. Chronic suppression of recurrent genital herpes in immunocompetent and HIV-infected adults. Reduction of transmission of genital herpes in immunocompetent heterosexual adults. Treatment of chickenpox in immunocompetent children.
Valtrex Dosage and Administration
Adult
Begin at onset of signs/symptoms (within 48hrs for herpes zoster or initial episode of genital herpes). Coincide a dose for after hemodialysis. ≥12yrs: Herpes labialis (treat for max 1 day): 2g every 12hrs; CrCl 30–49mL/min: 1g every 12hrs; CrCl 10–29mL/min: 500mg every 12hrs; CrCl <10mL/min: 500mg once. ≥18yrs: Herpes zoster: 1g every 8hrs; CrCl 30–49mL/min: 1g every 12hrs; CrCl 10–29mL/min: 1g every 24hrs; CrCl <10mL/min: 500mg every 24hrs; all for 7 days. Initial episode of genital herpes: 1g every 12hrs; CrCl 10–29mL/min: 1g every 24hrs; CrCl <10mL/min: 500mg every 24hrs; all for 10 days. Treatment of recurrent genital herpes: 500mg every 12hrs; CrCl ≤29mL/min: 500mg every 24hrs; both for 3 days. Suppression of recurrent genital herpes: in immunocompetent (>9 episodes/yr): 1g every 24hrs; CrCl ≤29mL/min: 500mg every 24hrs; (≤9 episodes/yr): 500mg every 24hrs; CrCl ≤29mL/min: 500mg every 48hrs; in HIV-infected: 500mg every 12hrs; CrCl ≤29mL/min: 500mg every 24hrs. Reduction of genital herpes transmission (≤9 episodes/yr): 500mg every 24hrs for source partner (and use safer sex practices).
Children
Herpes labialis: <12yrs: not established. Herpes zoster or genital herpes <18yrs: not established. Chickenpox: <2yrs or ≥18yrs: not established. Begin at onset of signs/symptoms. 2–<18yrs: 20mg/kg three times daily for 5 days; max 1g three times daily. CrCl<50mL/min: no data.
Valtrex Contraindications
Not Applicable
Valtrex Boxed Warnings
Not Applicable
Valtrex Warnings/Precautions
Warnings/Precautions
Risk of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome in advanced HIV-1 disease or transplant recipients on 8g/day; discontinue immediately if occurs. Underlying renal disease. Maintain adequate hydration. Elderly. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.
Valtrex Pharmacokinetics
See Literature
Valtrex Interactions
Interactions
Caution with nephrotoxic drugs.
Valtrex Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions
Headache, nausea, abdominal pain; acute renal failure, CNS effects (esp. elderly; discontinue if occur).
Valtrex Clinical Trials
See Literature
Valtrex Note
Not Applicable
Valtrex Patient Counseling
See Literature
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