Valtrex
Indicated to manage herpes zoster and herpes simplex virus infection to alleviate painful outbreaks and speed recovery.
- Category
- Antivirals
- Active ingredient
- Valaciclovir
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 500 · 1000mg
Valtrex details
- Conditions
- Herpes Zoster · Herpes Simplex · Genital Herpes
- Therapeutic class
- Antiviral Agent
- Pharmacological class
- Nucleoside analogue
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to valaciclovir
- Precautions and warnings
- maintain adequate fluid intake; use with caution in elderly patients
- Minor side effects
- headache; nausea
- Moderate side effects
- dizziness; abdominal pain
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- GSK
- Onset Time
- 1–2 hours
- Duration
- 8–12 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store at room temperature.
- Drug interactions
- nephrotoxic agents
- Age restrictions
- Dose adjustment required for patients with renal impairment and the elderly.
Serious side effects
renal impairment, requires immediate medical attention; neurological symptoms, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Indicated to manage herpes zoster and herpes simplex virus infection to alleviate painful outbreaks and speed recovery.
Mechanism of action
Valaciclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir. It is converted rapidly to acyclovir in the body, which selectively inhibits viral DNA polymerase, thereby interrupting DNA synthesis in herpes viruses.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed. Breastfeeding: Use with caution; monitor the infant.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Valtrex
Valtrex is the primary brand name for valaciclovir, an antiviral used in the management of Herpes Zoster, Herpes Simplex and Genital Herpes. Produced by GSK, this treatment comes as a tablet available in 500mg and 1000mg strengths. It assists in inhibiting viral replication to reduce the duration of outbreaks.
Valtrex availability in Asia
Valtrex is registered across 14 markets including Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia, with availability also in the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan. Generic valaciclovir, often manufactured in India, offers a cost-effective alternative to the original GSK product for patients managing these viral conditions. For expats or travellers in regions where local supply can be inconsistent, these options support consistent therapeutic management. This medication is best used under a doctor’s care for proper monitoring.