Valtrex Dosage (Valacyclovir 500 mg)

Valtrex, i.e. valacyclovir is a drug that is used in the treatment of herpes virus infections. It acts by breaking down into its active component i.e. acyclovir and exerts its anti-viral actions.

The dosage of Valtrex depends upon what stage the herpes virus infection is at. Furthermore, it also depends upon the type of herpes infection that the patient is suffering from. Below is a short list of the doses at which Valtrex is prescribed in different conditions.

1. Herpes labialis

Also called cold sores, this condition is treated with 2 g of Valtrex prescribed twice a day for a single day.

2. Genital herpes

In individuals who are suffering from herpes infection that affects the genitals, Valtrex is again prescribed at a dose of 1 g twice a day for a period of 10 days. In patients who get recurrent infections, the dose is reduced to 500 mg twice a day for a period of three days. In order to prevent infections from occurring over a period of time, suppressive therapy may be prescribed. This is usually given at the dose of 1 g a day. In patients who have fewer recurrences, a small dose of find milligrams once-a-day is given.

Genital herpes can be seen in patients who have low immune levels. Such a low immune levels are seen in individuals who suffer from hits IV infection. In such patients, Valtrex is given at a dose of 500 mg twice a day.

3. Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster occurs due to the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. In patients who suffer from this condition, 1 g of Valtrex is given three times a day for one week. Given that the condition can be rather painful, treatment must be started sooner rather than later. Clinical effects can be seen within a few days though pain may persist and patients may require additional therapy.

While the above doses are what is prescribed normally in adults, in children the same conditions may occur with the doses are often different.

In children, Valtrex is used in the treatment of chickenpox at a dose of 20 mg per kilogram bodyweight given three times a day for a period of five days.

Dose adjustment

The dosage of valacyclovir must be adjusted according to the kidney function. In those who have poor kidney function, the dosage may need to be reduced remarkably so that the effect on the kidneys is reduced as well.

Valtrex is a useful drug in the management of herpes infections. The dosage varies depending on the severity of infection and whether or not it is recurrent or a first infection.