Hippocrates Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

valacyclovir : Drugs Search Results from the Invisible Web

Drug Search Results powered by CloserLook Search
:: Overview :: Precautions :: Side Effects :: Further Reading Search results last updated: 9/17/2008

Generic & Brand Name : Source: (MedicineNet)

Brand Name : Valtrex
Generic Name : valacyclovir

Overview (Source: MedicineNet)
Valacyclovir is an oral antiviral drug which is active against the Herpes viruses. Itis used to treat infections with herpes zoster ( shingles ),herpes simplex genitalis (genital herpes), and herpes labialis (cold sores). Valacyclovir inhibits the replication of viral DNA which is necessary for viruses to reproduce themselves. Valacyclovir is actually a "prodrug," in that it is not active itself. Rather, it is converted to acyclovir in the body, and it is the acyclovir that is active against the viruses. (Acyclovir itself is available as a topical, oral and intravenous medication.) Valacyclovir, therefore, is active against the same viruses as acyclovir, but valacyclovir has a longer duration of action than acyclovir, and, therefore, can be taken fewer times each day. Valacyclovir was approved for use by the FDA in 1995. ...
[ read more.. ]

Get A Second Opinion From...
MedLinePlusWhy is this medication prescribed?
DrugDigestWhat is/are Valacyclovir?
DrugInfoOnlinevalacyclovir

Precautions (Source: MedLinePlus)
Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cimetidine (Tagamet), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, problems with your immune system, human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking valacyclovir, call your doctor. ...
[ read more.. ]

Get A Second Opinion From...
DrugDigest What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Side Effects (Source: MedLinePlus)
Valacyclovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: headache; upset stomach; vomiting; diarrhea or loose stools; constipation. If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately: rash; itching; confusion; yellowness of the skin or eyes; fever; blood in the urine. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html ] or by phone [1-800-332-1088]. ...
[ read more.. ]

Get A Second Opinion From...
DrugDigest What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
DrugInfoOnline valacyclovir

Further Reading on valacyclovir
  • Encephalitis - Treatment Overview ( WebMD )
    You will probably be treated for encephalitis in a hospital ' s intensive care unit . During your stay , your vital signs ( blood ...are using the herpes zoster (shingles) medication valacyclovir for herpes...
  • Genital Herpes - Treatment Overview ( WebMD )
    The goal of treatment for genital herpes is to provide relief from the discomfort of herpes sores and to reduce the time it takes ...as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), or valacyclovir ...
  • Shingles - Treatment Overview ( WebMD )
    There is no cure for shingles , but treatment may shorten the length of illness and prevent complications . Treatment options ...medicines, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir , to reduce the...
  • Herpes Tests ( WebMD )
    Herpes testing is done to detect the presence of the herpes simplex virus ( HSV ). An HSV infection can cause small , painful ...such as acyclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir, or valacyclovir . Normal test...

DISCLAIMER: The content provided by this site and/or this page is for information purposes only. Closerlook Search Services Inc. does not warrant or guarantee accuracy or timeliness of any information returned on this page even if such information appears in any search results accessed through Closerlook Search Services Inc. website properties.