Herpes is a long-term viral infection appearing mostly around genitals and oral parts. Herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). This cannot be completely gotten rid of; this in fact it stays inside the human body and becomes very much a part of it. This virus shows up in two (2) different forms namely, HSV - 1 and HSV - 2. Of these two forms, HSV - 1 causes cold sores closer to your mouth while HSV - 2 is seen around genitals. Meds like valacyclovir is used for treating herpes. But do you know of valacyclovir dosage for herpes?
Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug for managing infections caused by herpes virus, including genital herpes, cold sores (oral herpes), shingles (herpes zoster) and chickenpox in children. This medicine does not kill viruses but stops their multiplication.
Valacyclovir essentially inhibits the spread of herpes virus controlling the infection and reduce symptoms. When you take this med, it is soon converted into acyclovir - its active form. This drug then enters herpes-infected cells. This action prevents virus from spreading and eliminates infection. It is however not a complete cure for herpes; but Valacyclovir can minimise severity of symptoms, the duration, and also reduces the odds of transmission to others.
Valacyclovir dosage for herpes
Valacyclovir is widely available in a tablet-form and is prescribed in varying doses - depending on viral conditions such as-Cold sores (Oral herpes): Cold sores – caused by HSV - 1 show up as blisters around your mouth. Valacyclovir speeds-up healing and also shortens time taken to heal. Genital herpes: Caused by HSV – 2; recommended dosage of valacyclovir is 1 gm taken twice per day for ~ 10 days; such plans help lessen symptoms within 5 - 7 days’ time. Oral dosages are offered twice each day – for 3 days. For short-term or long-course prophylaxis (one g or 500 mg per day) can decrease frequency of recurrence rates by 75%.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Shingles –this is a nerve infection, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. This virus lives in your nerve endings and can lead to the development of painful rashes known as shingles. Valacyclovir lessens the pain and promotes recovery. The most-widely recommended dosage plan to patients is 1 gm – taken thrice a day. This plan lasts for a duration of a week’s time. You are however advised to report of such rashes within 72 hours of spotting them. This ensures avoidance of any unfavorable long-term complications and / or worsening of this infectious condition.
Early treatment can bring down duration of pain by 30 - 50%. Timely start of medications – like valacyclovir can reduce further complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia. You can also successfully bring about better management of long-term pain in nerves. In case of aged individuals or those who live with a compromised immunity system, dosage strength is raised or treatment extended. These changes are made in accordance to the severity of infection(s).
Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster): this is a highly contagious infection caused by the virus. It gives rise to itchy eruptions on skin accompanied by a very high-level of fever in children. Valacyclovir does not stop with reducing the symptoms but also speeds up your recovery process. The dosage plan for children - aged 2 - 12 years - is 20 mg per kg of body weight; this is administered thrice every day for 5 days. The maximum dosage strength is maintained at 1 gram per dose.
Valacyclovir can decrease the duration of symptoms by 2 - 3 days’ time, and can ease the severity of underlying infections. In case of adults, chickenpox is not a severe condition i.e., not as severe as it shows up among children. Your caregiver may prescribe antivirals meds – especially at lower doses to prevent complications.
Pointers pertaining to valacyclovir dosing
If you are living with renal conditions, your dosage plan is adjusted to avoid further damage of your kidneys. Dose adjustment is based upon creatinine clearance (Cr Cl) levels. In case of milder spells of renal impairment (Cr Cl 60 - 90 mL/min), caregivers are unlikely to suggest any major changes in dosage value. In general, you may continue with your daily intake of doses - as prescribed.
However, in case of moderate levels of renal impairment (i.e., Cr Cl 30 - 59 mL/min), dosage strength is usually halved. But if your renal failure is acute (Cr Cl is less than 30 mL/min), the frequency of dosing of this med is sizably reduced. There are instances wherein dosages are brought down to levels as low as 500 mg per day – taken as two separate doses.
If you are living with end-stage renal disorders – valacyclovir (or other such meds) are administered at the end of your dialysis session. This is chiefly because this med runs the risk of getting eliminated during a dialysis sitting.
HIV-positive patients: Higher doses are often prescribed for effective suppression. This is mainly because – immunity cells stand weakened with the onset of HIV. Owing to this, Valacyclovir is needed at stronger dosages; this is also because your immunity cells may fail to restrict the virus on their own. Dosage recommended for genital herpes suppression in case of HIV-positive people is 500 mg – this is taken two times per day. For acute cases of infections, dosage strength is increased to 1 gram – offered twice each day. This plan is offered for 6 to 11 days’ time.
Pregnancy: Physicians may sometimes administer this drug during pregnancy; this is done to reduce risks of possible transmission(s) to your unborn baby. This is more so to avoid the onset of genital herpes. Use of valacyclovir - during pregnancy - is considered safe to reduce likely transfer of virus to your fetus.
In case of pregnant women - affected by genital herpes - dosage strength varies from 500 mg to 1 gram; this is offered once per day. This is started from the 36th week of pregnancy until the time of delivery. Such dosing helps avoid neonatal herpes in your newly-born infant. In cases of active outbreaks, a higher dosage strength is needed; here, a dose of 1 gram – offered twice daily – is administered for a shorter span of time.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.