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Uses of Valtrex

Valtrex (valacyclovir hydrochloride) is an antiviral drug that is commonly used in the treatment of the herpes virus. Valtrex slows the rate at which the virus multiplies and allows the body's natural defenses to fight off the infection. Although Valtrex is used mainly to treat herpes infections, this drug has many different uses.

  1. Oral Herpes

    • Valtrex can stop or slow the formation of a cold sore, which is caused by the herpes simplex I virus. When taken at the first sign of an outbreak (usually tingling or numbness on the lip or nose), two 500 mg doses taken about 12 hours apart is extremely effective at preventing large blisters from forming.

    Genital Herpes

    • Valtrex can also be taken to slow or stop a outbreak of the herpes simplex II virus, which usually affects the genitals. Taking Valtrex is most effective when taken at the first sign of an outbreak, at a dose greater than that necessary for oral herpes (1,000 mg twice a day for 10 days). Taking Valtrex is still beneficial if taken up to 48 hours after initial signs of an outbreak.

    Herpes Suppression

    • Because genital herpes is transmissible even in the absence of an outbreak, many individuals that have genital herpes choose to take a daily dose of Valtrex to keep the virus from becoming active. In a person that has frequent outbreaks, a dose of 1,000 mg a day is recommended. Individuals with fewer outbreaks (less than one per month) can take a dose of 500 mg per day with successful results. Taking Valtrex can also suppress outbreaks of cold sores, but because cold sores are not as serious as genital herpes outbreaks, prescribing Valtrex for this purpose is not a common practice.

    Shingles

    • Valtrex can also be used to combat shingles, which is caused by a herpes virus. The length and severity of a shingles outbreak can be significantly reduced if a dose of 1,000 mg three times per day is taken within the first two days of the onset of symptoms (usually a painful rash).

    Chickenpox

    • Chickenpox is another disease caused by the herpes virus and is successfully treated with Valtrex. The dosage of the drug is dependent on the weight if the patient is a child, but should not exceed 2,000 mg per day taken over two doses.

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