Valtrex: Treatment for Genital Herpes

If you have been diagnosed recently with genital herpes, you may have been surprised and a little confused. Genital herpes isn't exactly curable, but it is very treatable. Although genital herpes can be controlled, it can affect your life quite a bit. If your doctor has diagnosed you with Valtrex for genital herpes, then this literature is going to prove beneficial to you by making you more aware of Valtrex and helping you becoming more comfortable with using Valtrex, since it will now become part of your daily life.

Valtrex, also known as Valacyclovir Hydrochloride, is indicated for genital herpes. Valtrex comes as blue tablets which are oblong in shape. The tablets come in the strengths of five hundred milligrams and one thousand milligrams. For the treatment of genital herpes, one gram of Valtrex is given two times a day for ten days. For the treatment of recurring genital herpes, five hundred milligrams is taken two times a day for three days. Valtrex can actually be used to treat cold sores which are caused by herpes. In that case, two grams of Valtrex are given twice a daily for one day, and the treatment is started at the earliest sign of a cold sore.

The main ingredient in Valtrex, which is Valacyclovir Hydrochloride, works by converting to acyclovir by the metabolism through the first-pass intestinal and/or hepatic system. Acyclovir is actually a 'fake' acyclic nucleotide which inhibits the herpes virus. The acyclovir then is incorporated into the DNA chains, and that DNA chain which houses the herpes virus is eliminated. This process repeats itself over and over again, therefore treating the herpes virus and its symptoms, but not curing it. The effects of Valtrex reach their peak after oral administration in 2.5 to 3.3 hours. If you're a patient taking any probenacid (Benemid), or cimetidine (Tagamet), Valtrex may decrease its elimination.

Valtrex should not be used in patients who are sensitive to Valacyclovir Hydrochloride in any way. If your doctor prescribed Valtrex for you, but you are a patient with a renal impairment, the dosage of Valtrex that the doctor prescribed should be reduced. Acyclovir precipitation in renal tubes can occur in patients who are dehydrated. (This is why it's very important to drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Valtrex.) Your doctor should have told you that even though you are on Valtrex, different viral mutations of herpes may occur, and when the virus is active in your body, it's extremely important to avoid spreading the herpes to others by practicing very safe sex, or even abstaining. (That's asking for too much, I know...but hopefully you understand where I'm coming from!)

Side effects that can be caused by Valtrex include nausea, headache, vomiting, and stomach pain. You may even experience tremors. If you experience any allergic reactions, such as swelling of the throat, hives, rashes, seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember...unless the time Is closer to your next dose. Never double dose. Always store Valtrex in a cool, dry place away from children and sunlight. Sunlight may decrease the potency of Valtrex. Also, remember not to stop taking Valtrex, even if you begin to feel better or notice less symptoms of herpes.