Valovir 500 mg is indicated for the treatment of Herpes zoster (shingles). It is indicated for the treatment or suppression of genital herpes in immuno-competent individuals and for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV infected individuals. It is also indicated for the treatment of cold sores (Herpes labialis).
Valovir 500 mg is the hydrochloride salt of L-valyl ester of the antiviral drug acyclovir.
Absorption
Valovir 500 mg is an antiviral drug.
Distribution
It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection.
Metabolism
Valovir 500 mg lessens the symptoms of infections and shortens the length of time of sickness.
Excretion
Valovir 500 mg is used in the treatment and suppression of genital herpes, shingles and cold sores.
Dosage & Administration of Valovir 500 mg
Adult Dosage
Dosage:Cold Sores: 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Genital Herpes: Initial episode: 1 gram twice daily for 10 days Recurrent episodes: 500 mg twice daily for 3 days Suppressive therapy Immunocompetent patients: 1 gram once daily Alternate dose in patients with 12 years of age): 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Chickenpox (2 to < 18 years of age): 20 mg/kg 3 times daily for 5 days; not to exceed 1 gram 3 times daily
Condition
Dosage
Notes
Adult Dosage
Cold Sores: 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Genital Herpes: Initial episode: 1 gram twice daily for 10 days Recurrent episodes: 500 mg twice daily for 3 days Suppressive therapy Immunocompetent patients: 1 gram once daily Alternate dose in patients with 12 years of age): 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Chickenpox (2 to < 18 years of age): 20 mg/kg 3 times daily for 5 days; not to exceed 1 gram 3 times daily
Dosage of Valovir 500 mg
Adult Dosage
Dosage:Cold Sores: 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Genital Herpes: Initial episode: 1 gram twice daily for 10 days Recurrent episodes: 500 mg twice daily for 3 days Suppressive therapy Immunocompetent patients: 1 gram once daily Alternate dose in patients with 12 years of age): 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Chickenpox (2 to < 18 years of age): 20 mg/kg 3 times daily for 5 days; not to exceed 1 gram 3 times daily
Condition
Dosage
Notes
Adult Dosage
Cold Sores: 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Genital Herpes: Initial episode: 1 gram twice daily for 10 days Recurrent episodes: 500 mg twice daily for 3 days Suppressive therapy Immunocompetent patients: 1 gram once daily Alternate dose in patients with 12 years of age): 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Chickenpox (2 to < 18 years of age): 20 mg/kg 3 times daily for 5 days; not to exceed 1 gram 3 times daily
Interaction of Valovir 500 mg
No dosage adjustment is recommended when Valovir 500 mg is coadministered with digoxin, antacids, thiazide diuretics, cimetidine or probenecid in subjects with normal renal function.
Contraindications
Valovir 500 mg is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity or intolerance to Valovir 500 mg, acyclovir, or any component of the formulation.
Side Effects of Valovir 500 mg
The most frequently reported adverse reactions were nausea (15%), headache (14%), vomiting (6%), dizziness (3%) and abdominal pain (3%).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category B. Valovir 500 mg was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits at 10 and 7 times human plasma levels, respectively, during the period of major organogenesis. There is no adequate and well-controlled studies of Valovir 500 mg in pregnant women. Nursing Mothers: Unchanged Valovir 500 mg was not detected in maternal serum, breast milk, or infant urine. Valovir 500 mg should be administered to a nursing mother with caution and only when indicated.
Precautions & Warnings
Dosage reduction is recommended when administering Valovir 500 mg to patients with renal impairment. Similar caution should be exercised when administering Valovir 500 mg to geriatric patients and patients receiving potentially nephrotoxic agents. The safety and efficacy of Valovir 500 mg have not been established in immuno compromised patients other than for the suppression of genital herpes in HIVinfected patients
Storage Conditions
Store in cool & dry place, away from children.
Use In Special Populations
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of Valovir 500 mg in pre-pubertal pediatric patients have not been established. Elderly Use (Over 65 yr.): Elderly patients may require a dose reduction of Valovir 500 mg due to a low body weight or disorders (renal, CNS etc.) associated with aging.
Valovir 500 mg is the hydrochloride salt of L-valyl ester of the antiviral drug acyclovir. Valovir 500 mg is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valovir 500 mg lessens the symptoms of infections and shortens the length of time of sickness. Valovir 500 mg is used in the treatment and suppression of genital herpes, shingles and cold sores.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy category B. Valovir 500 mg was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits at 10 and 7 times human plasma levels, respectively, during the period of major organogenesis. There is no adequate and well-controlled studies of Valovir 500 mg in pregnant women. Nursing Mothers: Unchanged Valovir 500 mg was not detected in maternal serum, breast milk, or infant urine. Valovir 500 mg should be administered to a nursing mother with caution and only when indicated.
Pediatric Uses
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of Valovir 500 mg in pre-pubertal pediatric patients have not been established. Elderly Use (Over 65 yr.): Elderly patients may require a dose reduction of Valovir 500 mg due to a low body weight or disorders (renal, CNS etc.) associated with aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valovir 500 mg used for?
Valacyclovir is indicated for the treatment of Herpes zoster (shingles). It is indicated for the treatment or suppression of genital herpes in immuno-competent individuals and for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV infected individuals. It is also indicated for the treatment of cold sores (Herpes labialis).
What is the dosage of Valovir 500 mg?
Adult Dosage: Cold Sores: 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Genital Herpes: Initial episode: 1 gram twice daily for 10 days Recurrent episodes: 500 mg twice daily for 3 days Suppressive therapy Immunocompetent patients: 1 gram once daily Alternate dose in patients with 12 years of age): 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Chickenpox (2 to < 18 years of age): 20 mg/kg 3 times daily for 5 days; not to e…
What are the side effects of Valovir 500 mg?
The most frequently reported adverse reactions were nausea (15%), headache (14%), vomiting (6%), dizziness (3%) and abdominal pain (3%).
Who should not take Valovir 500 mg?
Valacyclovir is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity or intolerance to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any component of the formulation.
What precautions should be taken with Valovir 500 mg?
Dosage reduction is recommended when administering valacyclovir to patients with renal impairment. Similar caution should be exercised when administering valacyclovir to geriatric patients and patients receiving potentially nephrotoxic agents. The safety and efficacy of valacyclovir have not been established in immuno compromised patients other than for the suppression of genital herpes in HIVinfe…
Is Valovir 500 mg safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Pregnancy category B. Valacyclovir was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits at 10 and 7 times human plasma levels, respectively, during the period of major organogenesis. There is no adequate and well-controlled studies of valacyclovir in pregnant women. Nursing Mothers: Unchanged valacyclovir was not detected in maternal serum, breast milk, or infant urine. Valacyclovir should be administered to a …
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to our best practices, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific information about a drug should not be seen as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences resulting from this information, so consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.