Valaciclovir
Also sold as: Valtrex
Prescription neededAntivirals
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Cold sores: 2 g twice a day for 1 day. Genital herpes: 500 mg twice a day for 3 to 5 days. Shingles: 1 g three times a day for 7 days.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- headache
- nausea
- stomach pain
- dizziness
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe allergic reaction
- kidney problems
- confusion or hallucinations (mostly in elderly people or kidney disease)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Kidney disease (dose must be reduced)
- Elderly people (drink plenty of water)
- Known allergy to valaciclovir or aciclovir
Interactions
No important interactions are listed in our database. Still tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you take.