Valtrex (500 mg, 1000 mg)

The generic name of Valtrex is valaciclovir (INN) or valacyclovir (USAN). It is a type of antiviral drug. This drug is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline under different trade names that include Zelitrex and Valtrex. This generic drug is available in the market since 25th of November, 2009. It helps in managing infections like herpes B, herpes zoster (shingles), and herpes simplex. It belongs to the pregnancy category B3 and B. This medication is orally administered. It is available in the market only with a doctor’s prescription.

Composition of Valtrex

Valtrex is available in capsule forms in 500 mg. The inactive ingredients present in Valtrex 500 mg are as follows:

  • Titanium dioxide
  • Silicon dioxide
  • Povidone
  • Polysorbate 80
  • Polyethylene glycol
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Indigotine aluminium Lake
  • Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
  • Crospovidone
  • Cellulose
  • Carnauba wax

The 1000 mg capsules of Valtrex contain the following inactive ingredients:

  • Carnauba wax
  • Crospovidone
  • Cellulose
  • Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
  • Polyethylene glycol
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Polysorbate 80
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Silicon dioxide
  • Povidone

Uses of Valtrex

There are many viral infections that can be treated with the help of this antiviral drug called Valtrex. It helps in treating cold sores resulting from herpes simplex and chickenpox (varicella zoster) among children. Among adults, it helps in the treatment process of shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores near the mouth, genital herpes. Valtrex is even used for the reduction of the number of the outbreaks in future.

Side-effects of Valtrex

Using Valtrex can lead to the development of many side-effects in the individual’s body. Some of these side-effects are discussed below:

  • Feeling empty or sad
  • Discouragement
  • Lack of appetite
  • Irritability
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of pleasure or interest
  • Trouble in sleeping
  • Trouble while concentrating
  • Chest pain
  • Tarry, black stools
  • Cough
  • Chills
  • Decrease in the frequency of urine
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Shortness of breath
  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Reduction in the mental alertness
  • Lower side or back pain
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Leg, stomach, or back pains
  • Bleeding gums
  • Blood in stools or urine
  • Blurred vision
  • Bloody or dark urine
  • Changes in the mental status
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Irregular, fast, or pounding pulse or heartbeat
  • Hyperventilation
  • General weakness and tiredness
  • Tactile, visual, and auditory hallucinations
  • Itching
  • Nervousness
  • Increased thirst
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Light-coloured stools
  • Seizures
  • Restlessness
  • Redness of the skin
  • Unsteady and shaky walk
  • Slurred speech
  • Stiff neck
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Trouble while speaking
  • Painful or swollen glands

Contraindications of Valtrex

There are certain conditions in which Valtrex is refrained to individuals. They are:

  • Allergy to peniciclovir analogues acyclovir analogues
  • Losing extreme body water
  • Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
  • Renal failure
  • Kidney impairment

Valtrex and Pregnancy

There have been no significant evidences of any deformity in the infant among animal subjects. Thus, Valtrex is assigned to the pregnancy category B and B3 by the FDA.