Valtrex is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug that is effective against herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, and others. Doctors note that Valtrex is effective in reducing herpes symptoms and accelerating the healing of rashes. However, like any drug, Valtrex has contraindications and can cause side effects. Therefore, before taking the drug, you should consult a doctor to avoid unwanted consequences.

Pharmacological properties of the drug

After taking the tablet orally, the active ingredients are quickly absorbed into the general bloodstream. Under the influence of chemical processes, valacyclovir is converted into acyclovir. Acyclovir is characterized by selectivity of action, that is, the drug penetrates only into cells and tissues affected by the virus without affecting healthy areas.

The active ingredients of the tablet have high therapeutic activity against herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and chickenpox.

Indications

Herpetic eruptions on the oral mucosa, under the nose, above the upper lip;

• Genital herpes;
• Prevention of the progression of cytomegalovirus infection against the background of blood transfusion or transplantation of internal organs;
• Shingles caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Contraindications

This drug is not prescribed for the treatment of patients with the following conditions:

• Individual hypersensitivity to the components included in the drug;
• Age under 12 years;
• Severe liver or kidney damage.

The drug is not prescribed for the treatment of patients with HIV infection.

Method of administration and dosage of the drug

The tablets are intended for oral administration. It is recommended to swallow the tablet immediately, without chewing, with a sufficient amount of liquid. Depending on the diagnosis, the daily dosage of the drug varies.

According to the instructions, adult patients are prescribed 2 Valtrex tablets 3 times a day for 7 days to treat shingles.

For the treatment of infections caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, the recommended dose of the drug is 500 mg 2 times a day. The course of treatment is at least 5 days. If there is no therapeutic effect, the patient should consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis or prescribe another drug. If the patient has been in contact with someone with herpes, it is recommended to undergo a course of treatment as a preventive measure. In this case, the tablets are taken 1-2 times a day, 500 mg for 3-5 days. In the case of chronic herpes infection, to prevent relapse, the patient should begin a course of therapy as early as possible, even before the first clinical symptoms appear or immediately after the appearance of a burning sensation and itching at the supposed site of the rash..

For genital herpes, the patient is prescribed 500 mg of the drug 2 times a day. It is recommended that both sexual partners undergo a course of therapy at once, otherwise the infection will continue to be transmitted to each other. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during the course of therapy. In order to prevent the development of cytomegalovirus infection during blood transfusion or transplantation of internal organs, the patient is prescribed 2 g of the drug per day, divided into 4 doses of 1 tablet with a dosage of 500 mg. The duration of the course of therapy in this case is determined by the doctor individually for each patient.

Side effects

In most cases, this drug is well tolerated by patients, however, with increased individual sensitivity to the components of the tablet, the patient may develop the following side effects:

• Nausea, abdominal pain;
• Headaches;
• Changes in the clinical picture of the blood - thrombocytopenia, leukopenia;
• In rare cases, the development of angioedema or anaphylactic shock;
• Shortness of breath;
• Dizziness, hand tremors, ataxia, convulsions;
• Depression of consciousness when taking large doses of the drug orally;
• Changes in liver function tests;
• Increased sensitivity of the eyes;
• Impaired renal function.