Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Drug for Shingles: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Valacyclovir
(Valtrex, United States and Canada)

Use:

Valacyclovir or Valtrex is an anti viral drug used to treat infections such as herpes simplex - cold sores, genital herpes, shingles.

How It Works:

Valacyclovir or Valtrex is the pro drug of acyclovir, meaning that in the body it is converted to the active drug acyclovir. Acyclovir interferes with viral reproduction.
In shingles Valacyclovir or Valtrex reduces the fever, lesions, and shortens the duration of the infection. It is able to shorten the pain the occurs after the shingles have 100% cleared - the post herpetic neuralgia.

Side Effects:

Valacyclovir or Valtrex can cause nausea and headache. It also may be involved in kidney damage.

Cautions for People:

Because of the potential kidney problems, people with existing kidney damage should be careful using Valacyclovir or Valtrex.

Drug Interactions:

Valacyclovir or Valtrex levels within the body can be increased by probenecid and cimetidine.

Further Reading:

Med Letter 1996;38:3
Drug 1996;52:17

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.