Valacyclovir
Brands Names: Valtrex
- Form of administration: Pills or suspension
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Why is the drug here:
Basic treatment of viral infection caused by members of the herpes family (simplex, varicella zoster and cytomegalovirus) in adolescents (age 12 and over) and adults.
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Purpose of treatment:
This is an antiviral medication that is effective against different viruses from the herpes family and is therefore used to treat infections caused by these viruses. For example:
Treatment of shingles in adults.
Treatment of ophthalmic infections caused by varicella-zoster virus in immune deficient adults.
Treatment or prevention of herpes simplex infections, from skin infections (cold sores/ulcers) to genital herpes and eye infections in adolescents and adults.
Prevention of cytomegalovirus infections following organ transplantation in adolescents and adults.
- Ingredients: The active ingredient is called acyclovir; this is an antiviral medication also found in the well-known medication ‘Zovirax’. Valine, an amino acid, was added to acyclovir to form Valacyclovir, causing a tremendous increase in its absorption in the bloodstream.
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How to use:
The dose of the drug varies depending on the indication for treatment, the age of the patient and their weight. Each “type” of infection has its corresponding dose. The correct dose must be determined by the physician on a case-by-case basis.
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Benefits:
The prodrug (acyclovir) is genius. And it was made to be even better with the addition of an amino acid which improved its absorption into the bloodstream.
That is why the required dose of valacyclovir is lower than that of acyclovir and that is it can be taken at larger time intervals
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Side Effects:
Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, light sensitivity, rash and pruritis and can even cause severe allergic reactions
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Another word from the doctor:
The way this field of antiviral medications is growing is crazy, with plenty of older drugs but lots of newer ones helping us tackle complex infections that we did not have a solution for in the past.
For the proper use of these drugs, especially the ones that are more advanced, one must be well familiar with them and must have a good understanding of their different courses of treatment.
For example, acyclovir is most commonly used in adults, who do not have a significant past medical history, that experience shingles. How is this drug supposed to be administered? What is the correct dose? What is the purpose of its administration, what are we trying to prevent? You can find the answers to these questions in the link here.