Valtrex Tablet
Prescription Required
Product introduction
Valtrex Tablet is an antiviral medicine used in the treatment of herpes labialis, genital herpes infection, and herpes zoster infections. It prevents the multiplication of viruses in human cells and clears up the infection.
Valtrex Tablet should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. You should drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine as it helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
It may lead to a few common side effects like headache, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, itching (pruritus), and abdominal pain. Inform your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Uses of Valtrex Tablet
- Herpes labialis
- Genital herpes infection
- Herpes zoster
Benefits of Valtrex Tablet
In Herpes zoster
Herpes zoster infection is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Valtrex Tablet can shorten the length and severity of the infection. It is most effective if you start taking it as soon as possible after the rash appears. Keeping the immune system healthy is the best way to prevent it. Maintaining good hygiene is another way of preventing herpes zoster infection.
Side effects of Valtrex Tablet
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Valtrex
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Increased liver enzymes
- Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
How to use Valtrex Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Valtrex Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Valtrex Tablet works
Valtrex Tablet is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Valtrex Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Valtrex Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Valtrex Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Valtrex Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Valtrex Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Valtrex Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine to lower the side effects on the kidney.
Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine to lower the side effects on the kidney.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Valtrex Tablet is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Valtrex Tablet is recommended.
What if you forget to take Valtrex Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Valtrex Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Valtrex Tablet
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Zimivir 500 Tablet
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Valamac 500mg Tablet
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Valcet 500mg Tablet
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Quick tips
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
- Drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine. This helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
- If you have genital herpes, use barrier methods (condoms) for contraception and avoid sexual contact while the sores are present.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Nucleoside analog
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI INFECTIVES
Action Class
Antiviral Agents (Non-HIV)
Patient concerns
FAQs
For how long do I need to take Valtrex Tablet?
The duration of Valtrex Tablet treatment depends on the disease you are being treated for and whether your immune system is capable of fighting infections or not. For example, if you are taking it for shingles and your immune system works effectively, then you may need to take it for 7 days only. But, if your immunity is compromised, then you may need to take Valtrex Tablet for 7 days and 2 days more after the lesions have dried and healed. Follow your doctor’s recommendations strictly.
Does Valtrex Tablet cure herpes infection?
Valtrex Tablet reduces the pain and itching caused due to the herpes infection but does not cure it. It helps to heal the sores and prevents the formation of new ones.
Is Valtrex Tablet an antibiotic or a steroid? What is it used for?
Valtrex Tablet is neither an antibiotic nor a corticosteroid. It is an antiviral medicine and acts against viruses. It is effective against herpes simplex virus (chickenpox, cold sores, and genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (shingles), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Valtrex Tablet prevents the occurrence of CMV infection and disease after organ transplant.
If I have genital herpes, can Valtrex Tablet prevent transmission of infection to others?
Valtrex Tablet reduces the chances of passing the infection to your partner, but the possibility of transmission still exists. You should practice safe sex by using condoms. However, you should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.
Can Valtrex Tablet be given to children for chicken pox?
Yes, Valtrex Tablet can be given for chickenpox to children aged between 2 years to 18 years. Treatment should be started within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash for best results. Valtrex Tablet should be given for 5 days and as directed by the doctor.
Can I take Valtrex Tablet if I have HIV infection?
Taking Valtrex Tablet if you have advanced HIV infection can increase the risk of developing Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP/HUS). In TTP/HUS, small blood clots form suddenly throughout the body, which can lead to death. If you experience bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in urine, fits, and bleeding from the nose or mouth, you should stop Valtrex Tablet and seek emergency medical support and advice.
What if I accidentally take excess of Valtrex Tablet?
You should immediately contact your doctor or go to a nearby hospital. The symptoms which can be seen if Valtrex Tablet is taken in excess include feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, decreased consciousness, and coma.
My age is 70 years and I have some kidney problem, can I take Valtrex Tablet for shingles?
Since you are elderly and have a kidney problem, your doctor will prescribe a low dose of Valtrex Tablet. You must drink plenty of water regularly during the day while taking Valtrex Tablet. This will help to reduce the side effects that can affect the kidney or nervous system. Your doctor will closely monitor you for signs of any side effects which may include feeling confused, agitated or unusually sleepy, or drowsy. If you develop any of these effects contact your doctor immediately.
For how long do I need to take Valtrex Tablet?
The duration of Valtrex Tablet treatment depends on the disease you are being treated for and whether your immune system is capable of fighting infections or not. For example, if you are taking it for shingles and your immune system works effectively, then you may need to take it for 7 days only. But, if your immunity is compromised, then you may need to take Valtrex Tablet for 7 days and for 2 days more after the lesions have dried and healed. Follow your doctor’s recommendations strictly.
Does Valtrex Tablet cure herpes infection?
Valtrex Tablet reduces the pain and itching caused due to the herpes infection but does not cure it. It helps to heal the sores and prevents the formation of new ones.
Is Valtrex Tablet an antibiotic or a steroid? What is it used for?
Valtrex Tablet is neither an antibiotic nor a corticosteroid. It is an antiviral medicine and acts against viruses. It is effective against herpes simplex virus (chickenpox, cold sores, and genital herpes), varicella zoster virus (shingles), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Valtrex Tablet prevents the occurrence of CMV infection and disease after organ transplant.
If I have genital herpes, can Valtrex Tablet prevent transmission of infection to others?
Valtrex Tablet reduces the chances of passing the infection to your partner, but the possibility of transmission still exists. You should practice safe sex by using condoms. However, you should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.
Can Valtrex Tablet be given to children for chicken pox?
Yes, Valtrex Tablet can be given for chicken pox to children aged between 2 years to 18 years. Treatment should be started within 24 hours of appearance of rash for best results. Valtrex Tablet should be given for 5 days and as directed by the doctor.
Can I take Valtrex Tablet if I have HIV infection?
Taking Valtrex Tablet if you have advanced HIV infection can increase the risk of developing Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP/HUS). In TTP/HUS, small blood clots form suddenly throughout the body, which can lead to death. If you experience bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in urine, fits, and bleeding from nose or mouth, you should stop Valtrex Tablet and seek emergency medical support and advice.
What if I accidentally take excess of Valtrex Tablet?
You should immediately contact your doctor or go to a nearby hospital. The symptoms which can be seen if Valtrex Tablet is taken in excess include feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, decreased consciousness, and coma.
My age is 70 years and I have some kidney problem, can I take Valtrex Tablet for shingles?
Since you are elderly and have kidney problem, your doctor will prescribe a low dose of Valtrex Tablet. It is very important that you drink plenty of water regularly during the day while taking Valtrex Tablet. This will help to reduce the side effects that can affect the kidney or nervous system. Your doctor will closely monitor you for signs of any side effects which may include feeling confused, agitated or unusually sleepy or drowsy. If you develop any of these effects contact your doctor immediately.
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Disclaimer:
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
- Acosta EP, Flexner C. Antiviral Agents (Nonretroviral). In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1594-600.
- Safrin S. Antiviral Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 847.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1446-47.
- Valacyclovir hydrochloride. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina: GlaxoSmithKline; 1995 [revised Mar. 2010]. [Accessed 19 Jun. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Valaciclovir hydrochloride. South Ruislip, Middlesex: Aurobindo Pharma - Milpharm Ltd.; 2011 [revised 18 Jul. 2016]. [Accessed 24 Jan. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Valaciclovir. Burgos, Spain: Glaxo Wellcome, S.A.; 2014 [Accessed 19 Jun. 2019] (online) Available from:
- European Medicine Agency. Questions and answers on Valtrex and associated names (valaciclovir, 250, 500 and 1000 mg tablets); 2010. [Accessed 19 Jun. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 01 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
- CiplaMed. Valacyclovir Hydrochloride [Prescribing Information]. 2022. [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024] (online) Available from:
Marketer details
Name: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
Address: 24-25 Floor, One Horizon Center Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 5 Gurgaon 122002, India
Country of origin: India
Expires on or after: October, 2025
A licensed vendor partner from your nearest location will deliver Valtrex Tablet. Once the pharmacy accepts your order, the details of the pharmacy will be shared with you. Acceptance of your order is based on the validity of your doctor's ℞ and the availability of this medicine.
Phone Number: 0124-4166666
Address: 5th Floor Tower - B of the Presidency Building, 46/4 Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Sector 14, Gurugram, Haryana-122001, India
Expires on or after: October, 2025
A licensed vendor partner from your nearest location will deliver Valtrex Tablet. Once the pharmacy accepts your order, the details of the pharmacy will be shared with you. Acceptance of your order is based on the validity of your doctor's ℞ and the availability of this medicine.
In case of any issues, contact us
Email ID: [email protected]Phone Number: 0124-4166666
Address: 5th Floor Tower - B of the Presidency Building, 46/4 Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Sector 14, Gurugram, Haryana-122001, India
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10.0 tablets in 1 strip
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