Valtrex is an antiviral medication containing the active ingredient valacyclovir. When ingested, valacyclovir is rapidly converted into acyclovir by the enzyme valacyclovir hydrolase. This conversion process effectively inhibits the activity of various herpes viruses, including types 1 and 2, type 6, as well as chickenpox, shingles, cytomegalovirus infection, and Epstein-Barr virus.

Pharmacologic effect

A substance with biological activity against viral strains is valacyclovir. The product is available in tablet form. Additional components of the drug include white dye, ink, magnesium stearate, povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon and other components. One tablet contains 500 mg of antiviral substance.

After oral administration, the active component is converted to acyclovir. This substance is characterized by special blocking activity against herpes viruses, chickenpox, Epstein-Barr, and cytomegalovirus infection. Acyclovir blocks the production of viral DNA immediately after transformation into the active form - triphosphate. In the first stage, specific viral enzymes take part.

In the human body, acyclovir undergoes various chemical and biochemical reactions, as a result of which the substance is divided into special components, which together block the activity of the virus and, accordingly, its further reproduction. Valaciclovir is completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Does not bind to plasma protein components. It is excreted through the kidneys in the form of metabolites.

Indications for use of Valtrex

Medicines in this group are often used mainly for:

• herpes zoster;
• diseases after organ transplantation;
• genital herpes;
• prevention of cytomegalovirus infections;
• infections caused by opportunistic bacteria or microorganisms;
• diseases of the skin or mucous membranes associated with infection with the herpes simplex virus.

Instructions for the use of Valtrex

When treating herpes zoster, the medicine is taken 1 g up to 3 times a day for one week. When this disease is complicated by chronic renal failure, the drug is taken 1 g per day.

When treating herpes simplex virus, the drug is used in an amount of 500 mg up to 2 times a day.

For genital or simple herpes, the medicine is used in a dosage of 500 mg every 12 hours.

When performing hemodialysis, Valtrex is prescribed only after completion of this procedure.

Contraindications

Prescription of the drug Valtrex during treatment is contraindicated in the following cases:

• bone marrow or kidney transplantation;
• renal or liver failure;
• pronounced clinical forms of HIV;
• pregnancy;
• the presence of intolerance reactions to the constituent ingredients of Valtrex;
• breastfeeding.

With extreme caution, it can be used when treating children.

Side effects of Valtrex

The use of the drug from Online Pharmacy Valtrex may be accompanied by some side effects, which are usually expressed in the following forms:

• digestive system - feeling of discomfort, vomiting, loss of appetite, transient increases in liver function tests, diarrhea, nausea, gastralgia;
• central nervous system – neurological disorders, headaches, confusion, dizziness, renal dysfunction;
• allergic manifestations - anaphylaxis, skin rashes, angioedema, itching, urticaria;
• others - attacks of shortness of breath, impaired renal function, thrombocytopenia, increased fatigue, hemolytic anemia, microangiopathy.

Additional Information

The drug, in its effect, is able to reduce blockers of tubular secretion. Also, patients undergoing treatment with Valtrex should refrain from having sexual intercourse to avoid infecting their partner. In elderly patients, it is recommended to increase the volume of fluid consumed during treatment periods.