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How Often to Take Valtrex

Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral drug used to treat a number of conditions caused by the herpesviridae family of viruses. The dosage indications for Valtrex vary based on which condition it is being used to treat.

  1. HSV-1

    • Valtrex can be used to treat cold sores, which are caused by HSV-1, a herpes virus. According to the manufacturer, treatment of cold sores with Valtrex should begin with two grams at the first indication of prodrome (the early warning symptoms of a herpes outbreak that includes itching, burning or tingling at the effected site) and should be administered again 12 hours later.

    HSV-2

    • One of the most common uses of Valtrex is in the treatment of HSV-2, which causes genital herpes. Valtrex has been shown to be a successful suppressive treatment for genital herpes for up to one year at a once-daily dosage of one gram.

    Chickenpox

    • Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can be treated with Valtrex. According RxList, the recommended dosage for children between the ages of two and 18 with chickenpox is 20 mg per kg of weight three times a day for five days. A child should not be given more than one gram of acyclovir three times daily.

    Shingles

    • Shingles, a secondary condition of infection with the varicella-zoster virus, is also treated with Valtrex. Treatment with acyclovir for shingles is one gram three times per day for seven days according to the manufacturer.

    Considerations

    • Higher than recommended doses of Valtrex have led to severe kidney problems and problems of the central nervous system in some elderly or immunocompromised (having a weakened immune system) patients.

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