Valacyclovir Dosage For Genital Herpes
If you have genital herpes, youll understand how stressful an outbreak can be. People infected with genital herpes can experience four to five outbreaks of the virus per year, making it vital to have medication like valacyclovir on hand in the event you notice herpes lesions developing.
Like oral herpes, valacyclovir is highly effective at treating genital herpes and speeding up the healing process.
Genital herpes occurs in two phases. After being infected with the virus, most people will have an initial outbreak — a powerful outbreak of the virus that can result in severe symptoms. After this, genital herpes presents itself in recurring outbreaks every few months.
The typical dose of valacyclovir used to treat an initial outbreak of genital herpes is 1,000 mg taken two times per day. This twice-daily 1,000 mg dosage usually continues over 10 days as the herpes outbreak retreats and the lesions close, scab and heal.
During a very severe initial outbreak of genital herpes, your doctor might recommend taking valacyclovir over a longer period.
For recurring genital herpes, the typical dosage of valacyclovir is 500 mg taken twice daily for three days.
As with cold sores, valacyclovir is most effective at treating genital herpes when its taken as early as possible during an outbreak. Taken early, consistently and at the right dose, use of valacyclovir can make dealing with a difficult genital herpes outbreak more manageable.
Interactions With Other Drugs
Drug interactions happen when two or more drugs combine in the body and to create unintended effects or symptoms. Interactions can range from mild to severe and dangerous. See the chart below for some examples.
Valacyclovir can interact with over 60 different drugs, which is why it’s important to let your physician know about any medications you’re taking. For example, valacyclovir can cause serious negative interactions with several medications used to treat HIV, including:
Be sure to tell your physician if you have HIV and if you’re taking medications or taking treatment to control it.
Valacyclovir can also be dangerous when taken in combination with a class of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics. This includes drugs such as:
Aminoglycosides along with certain other antibiotics, like bacitracin and valacyclovir can potentially cause kidney damage, and this risk increases when the drugs are taken together.
This is not a full list of possible drug interactions. If you’re using any other medications, consult a more complete list of possible interactions and speak with your doctor and pharmacist for more information.
How Much Valacyclovir Should You Take For A Recurrent Genital Herpes Outbreak
After the primary outbreak, genital herpes enters a latent stage. During this period, the virus lays dormant in the body , with no clear symptoms or signs of an infection.
Over time, many people with genital herpes will experience recurrent outbreaks of the virus that cause herpes sores to develop. Outbreaks affect people with HSV-1 and HSV-2, although they tend to be more common in people with the HSV-2 type of the herpes virus.
Recurrent outbreaks are usually less intense than the initial outbreak. Most people only notice the development of herpes sores on the genitals, with few or none of the flu-like symptoms that can make a primary outbreak so unpleasant.
During a recurring outbreak, you normally wont need to take as much as you did for the primary outbreak. A standard valacyclovir dosage for recurrent genital herpes outbreaks is 500 mg twice per day for three days.
If you have particularly severe genital herpes outbreaks or the herpes sores you develop during an outbreak take longer than normal to recover, your doctor may adjust your dosage to provide extra relief from symptoms and faster healing. In any case, follow your doctors instructions.
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Using Valacyclovir To Treat A Primary Outbreak Of Cold Sores
Valacyclovir is also used to treat primary outbreaks of cold sores, or oral herpes. The standard dosage of valacyclovir for managing a primary oral herpes outbreak is 2,000 mg every 12 hours for one day .
During a particularly severe or persistent outbreak, your doctor may recommend adjusting your valacyclovir dose or extending the dosage to provide greater relief. Follow your doctors advice and instructions for the best results from valacyclovir and other antiviral medication.
Dosage For Genital Herpes
Adult dosage
- First episode: 1 g, taken twice per day for 10 days. This drug works best if its started within 48 hours of when the first symptom appears.
- Repeating episodes: 500 mg, taken twice per day for 3 days. Treatment should be started when the first symptom appears.
- For preventing flare-ups in people with a normal immune system: 500 mg to 1 g, taken once per day.
- For preventing flare-ups in people with HIV: 500 mg, taken twice per day.
- For reducing the risk of transmission to a sexual partner: 500 mg, taken once per day.
Child dosage
This drug has not been studied for the treatment of genital herpes in children younger than 18 years.
Senior dosage
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.
Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different treatment schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
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Genital Herpes During Pregnancy
Prevention of neonatal herpes depends both on preventing acquisition of genital herpes during late pregnancy and avoiding exposure of the neonate to herpetic lesions and viral shedding during delivery. Mothers of newborns who acquire neonatal herpes often lack histories of clinically evident genital herpes . The risk for transmission to the neonate from an infected mother is high among women who acquire genital herpes near the time of delivery and low among women with prenatal histories of recurrent herpes or who acquire genital herpes during the first half of pregnancy . Women who acquire HSV in the second half of pregnancy should be managed in consultation with maternal-fetal medicine and infectious disease specialists.
All pregnant women should be asked whether they have a history of genital herpes or genital symptoms concerning for HSV infection. At the onset of labor, all women should be questioned thoroughly about symptoms of genital herpes, including prodromal symptoms , and all women should be examined thoroughly for herpetic lesions. Women without symptoms or signs of genital herpes or its prodrome can deliver vaginally. Although cesarean delivery does not eliminate the risk for HSV transmission to the neonate , women with recurrent genital herpetic lesions at the onset of labor should have a cesarean delivery to reduce the risk for neonatal HSV infection.
Acyclovir 400 mg orally 3 times/dayORValacyclovir 500 mg orally 2 times/day
How Long Starting Valtrex Are You No Longer Contagious
The herpes virus is very contagious and can easily spread via bodily fluids and skin contact. Once infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2, a person will be a carrier for life. There is no cure for herpes and no vaccinations exist right now.
When you have cold sores or blisters on and surrounding your genital area, you will be most contagious, although it is important to understand that carriers of HSV-1 and HSV-2 can always transmit the infection.
When you have cold sores or blisters you should take additional precautions as follows:
- Avoid kissing another person on the mouth or other areas of their body
- Do not share cutlery, toothbrushes or towels
Research has shown that Valtrex can reduce the risk of genital herpes transmission by up to 50% by decreasing viral shedding.
Taking Valtrex long-term is safe, and can decrease genital herpes outbreaks by up to 80%. However, you must tell your partner if you do have genital herpes, as they should be allowed to make up their own minds about the risks involved.
It is important to emphasize that even after taking Valtrex, HSV continues to be contagious. Whilst antiviral drugs can decrease viral shedding and reduce the severity of HSV-1 and HSV-2, patients can still transmit the disease.
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Treatment For Oral Herpes
The antiviral medications available in pill form have been specifically developed for the treatment of genital herpes. However, it is not uncommon for healthcare providers to prescribe the antiviral drugs to those who have frequent or severe outbreaks of oral herpes.
A recent study found valacyclovir to be effective for treating oral herpes in a one-day treatment of 2 grams taken at the first sign of a cold sore, and then again about 12 hours later.
There are two topical antiviral medications prescribed for the treatment of oral HSV symptoms: acyclovir ointment and penciclovir cream. Both work to speed up the healing process and reduce the viral activity. These topical drugs are put directly on the lesions themselves, but can also be used at the onset of prodrome.
Other topical treatments for oral herpes are available over-the-counter , but are not antiviral compounds like acyclovir and penciclovir. Some also contain ingredients that numb the area and induce temporary relief from the discomfort of an outbreak. Unfortunately, some OTC treatments may actually delay the healing time of symptoms because they can further irritate the area with repeated applications. There is only one OTC FDA-approved cream, called Abreva®, which has been clinically proven to help speed the healing process.
Warnings For People With Certain Health Conditions
For people with kidney problems: Your kidneys clear this drug from your body. If you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease, you may not be able to clear it from your body. This may increase the levels of the drug in your body and cause more side effects. This drug can also make your kidney function worse. To help prevent these problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of this drug for you.
For people with advanced HIV or a history of transplant: If you have advanced HIV or a history of bone marrow or kidney transplant, you may be at a higher risk of certain blood disorders. These conditions are called thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome . They can result in severely low red blood cells and platelets in your body. TTP or HUS can cause death.
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Is There A Cure Or Treatment For Herpes
There is no cure for herpes. Antiviral medications can, however, prevent or shorten outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.11 In addition, daily suppressive therapy for herpes can reduce the likelihood of transmission to partners.11
There is currently no commercially available vaccine that is protective against genital herpes infection. Candidate vaccines are in clinical trials.
Valacyclovir Dosage And Usage
Valacyclovir dosing can differ depending on your diagnosis and body weight. Valacyclovir doses for children, specifically, are calculated by a pediatrician according to the child’s body weight.
Because valacyclovir is a prescription medication, your health care provider will prescribe the specific dose that they believe will be safest and most effective for your situation. But you can see some typical doses in the handy infographic we’ve provided below.
Mayo Clinic is credited for the data used in this graphic.
Because the initial outbreak of genital herpes is usually more severe, physicians often prescribe 1,000 milligrams of valacyclovir tablets to be taken twice per day for 10 days. Subsequent outbreaks, on the other hand, may only require 500 milligrams of valacyclovir tablets twice per day for a shorter duration of time .
Valacyclovir can also be prescribed for long-term use to prevent future outbreaks of genital herpes. This dosage is usually between 500 and 1,000 milligrams once per day.
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How To Take Valtrex
Valtrex is a tablet that should be swallowed. You can take Valtrex with or without food. It is important to stay hydrated when using Valtrex.
If you are taking Valtrex for cold sores, chicken pox, shingles, or genital herpes, start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start. Initial signs of infection may include tingling, itching, or burning, or when the sore appears.
Side Effects And Follow
Side effects with these herpes drugs are considered mild, and health experts believe these drugs are safe in the long term. Acyclovir is the oldest of the three, and its safety has been documented in people taking suppressive therapy for several years.
People taking suppressive therapy should see their doctor at least once a year to decide if they should continue. You may find taking the pills every day to be inconvenient, the drugs may not work for you, or you may naturally have fewer outbreaks as time goes on. Your doctor can help you make treatment choices to suit your needs.
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Valacyclovir Dosage For Herpes Outbreaks
Valtrex, also known as valacyclovir, is an antiviral drug that is used in the treatment and management of herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. It is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antiviral that is active against both DNA and RNA viruses. It is taken orally, and is available under the prescription of a doctor.
Herpes outbreaks can be painful and uncomfortable, and this is why you need to treat the herpes virus. It is not easy to cure herpes, but you can manage to keep the symptoms at bay. It is crucial that you follow the doctor’s prescription and take the medication at the exact time. This will prevent the virus from getting worse and will help you to recover faster.
When you use Valtrex for Herpes outbreaks, you will notice an immediate effect. The medication will bring down the swelling, and reduce the pain. You can also use the drug when you feel a herpes outbreak coming on. It is not a cure, but it can reduce the duration of the outbreak by a few days.
What is Valtrex?
Valtrex is a prescription medication that is used in the treatment and management of multiple conditions. It is known to have antiviral properties, and is used in the treatment of herpes, shingles and chickenpox. Valtrex has been used since 1995, and is an option that is preferred over other medications because of its effectiveness.
How Does Valtrex Work?
Valacyclovir Dosaging
Valacyclovir Dosage for Shingles
Valacyclovir Shingles Treatment:
Adults: 1000mg three times a day, seven days.
Dosage For Oral Herpes
Adult dosage
- Typical dosage: 2 g, twice per day for 1 day, taken 12 hours apart.
- Note: Treatment should be started at the first sign of cold sore symptoms.
Child dosage
- Typical dosage: 2 g, twice per day for 1 day, taken 12 hours apart.
- Note: This drug should be started at the first sign of cold sore symptoms.
Child dosage
- This drug has not been studied or approved for treatment of oral herpes in children younger than 12 years.
Senior dosage
The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.
Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different treatment schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
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Valacyclovir May Interact With Other Medications
An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help prevent interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs youre taking.
To find out how valacyclovir oral tablet might interact with something else youre taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that youre taking.
This drug comes with several warnings.
Suppressive Therapy For Recurrent Hsv
Suppressive therapy reduces frequency of genital herpes recurrences by 70%80% among patients who have frequent recurrences . Persons receiving such therapy often report having experienced no symptomatic outbreaks. Suppressive therapy also is effective for patients with less frequent recurrences. Long-term safety and efficacy have been documented among patients receiving daily acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir . Quality of life is improved for many patients with frequent recurrences who receive suppressive therapy rather than episodic treatment . Providers should discuss with patients on an annual basis whether they want to continue suppressive therapy because frequency of genital HSV-2 recurrence diminishes over time for many persons. However, neither treatment discontinuation nor laboratory monitoring is necessary because adverse events and development of HSV antiviral resistance related to long-term antiviral use are uncommon.
Valacyclovir 500 mg orally 2 times/day for 3 daysOR
Valacyclovir 1 gm orally once daily for 5 days
*Acyclovir 400 mg orally 3 times/day is also effective, but are not recommended because of frequency of dosing.
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Genital Herpes Guide: Treatment And Follow
Treatment and follow-up guidance for the genital herpes.
Note: This guide provides minimal information about neonatal herpes. For more information, refer to the Canadian Paediatric Society Position Statement about the prevention and management of neonatal herpes simplex virus infections.
Do A Patch Test First
Always do a home patch test prior to applying any skin caretreatment to ensure you are not sensitive or allergic to the product or its ingredients .
To do this, place a small amount of the treatment on an intact small patch of skin. Watch the area for 24 hours for signs of redness or itchiness, which would indicate you are sensitive to the product.
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