£

Valtrex 500mg tablets

 
Maximum Quantity Allowed:
500 mg
42
£

Valtrex tablets are antiviral medications used to treat herpes infections. They come in tablet form and should be taken by mouth, with or without food. Valtrex tablets work best when started as soon as possible after the first signs of a herpes infection. For best results, continue taking them for the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear. 

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Description

What Are Valtrex 500mg Tablets?

Valtrex tablets are a medication used to treat the herpes virus. The tablets come in 500mg and 1000mg dosages and are generally taken twice a day. Valtrex is the brand name for valacyclovir, an antiviral drug that works by stopping the herpes virus from multiplying. Valtrex can also help to shorten the duration of an outbreak if it is taken as soon as symptoms develop. They should be taken by mouth, with or without food. Valtrex tablets work best when started as soon as possible after the first signs of a herpes infection. For best results, continue taking them for the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear. Do not stop taking Valtrex tablets without consulting your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take more than one dose at a time. Store Valtrex tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

How Does Valtrex Work?

The active ingredient in Valtrex tablets, valacyclovir, is a synthetic nucleoside analogue. It works by interfering with the viral replication process, which stops the virus from spreading. They do this by blocking an enzyme called DNA polymerase, which is essential for the virus to replicate. Valacyclovir is also converted to acyclovir, which is a further powerful antiviral agent. By stopping the virus from replicating, Valtrex tablets can help to clear up an infection more quickly. In addition, Valtrex tablets may also help to reduce the risk of developing herpes lesions in people who have been infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 in the past.

Warnings

  • Do not take Valtrex tablets if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
  • If you are taking other medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Valtrex.
  • Do not take the tablets when pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.
  • Do not use Valtrex without the approval of your doctor if you are over 65 years.

Directions

It is important to take Valtrex tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor, to get the most benefit from them.

  • Swallow the tablet whole - do not chew or crush it.
  • Take Valtrex tablets with a full glass of water, at the same time each day.
  • Valtrex should be taken with food to help minimize any possible side effects.
  • The recommended dose is 500mg Tablet twice a day.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, and then continue taking it at the usual time each day.
  • Valtrex tablets work best when started as soon as possible after the first signs of a herpes infection.
  • For best results, continue taking them for the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Valtrex is valaciclovir hydrochloride.

The inactive ingredients are Magnesium Stearate, Macrogol, Microcrystalline cellulose, Silica colloidal anhydrous, Polysorbate, Crospovidone, Povidone, Hypromellose, Titanium dioxide, among others.

Side Effects

Side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhoea
  • Itching
  • Skin rashes

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe side effects. 

FAQs

1. How long does it take for Valtrex to work?

Improvement in symptoms typically begins within 2-3 days, with complete resolution depending on the type of infection being treated.

2. Can Valtrex prevent future herpes outbreaks?

Yes, Valtrex is often prescribed to prevent future outbreaks of genital herpes or cold sores, reducing the frequency of recurrences.

3. How should I take Valtrex?

The dosage depends on the condition. For example, for shingles, it is usually 1000mg three times daily for 7 days. For genital herpes, it’s 500mg twice daily.

4. Is Valtrex safe during pregnancy?

Valtrex is not typically recommended during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks​.

5. What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. Never double up on doses.