Illnesses Caused By Herpes Like Cold Sores, Chicken Pox, Shingles And Genital Herpes Can Be Treated With Valtrex

Valtrex General Information

Valtrex Generic Name: Valacyclovir

Valtrex Brand Name: Valtrex

Vatrex, an antiviral drug, is used to slow down the rate of proliferation of the herpes virus to allow the body to fight the virus.

Valtrex Uses

Valtrex is not a remedy to Herpes, but it is effective in reducing the symptoms of the virus. Infections caused by herpes to both adults and children can be treated with the drug. Herpes causes a variety of illnesses including cold sores, chicken pox, genital herpes and shingles. Children suffering from cold sores with a minimum age of twelve years can be treated with the medicine while children at least two years of age can be treated with Valtrex to cure chicken pox. But Valtrex is not a remedy for viral infections like common cold or flu.

How Take Valtrex

The treatment with the drug must be started as soon as the symptoms are detected. The typical symptoms of Herpes are blisters, tingling and burning. Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water. During the treatment period it is very essential to drink plenty of water to maintain proper functioning of the kidneys. The oral suspension is to be shaken well before use. It is extremely important to measure a dose before the intake of the drug. A marked measuring spoon or a medicine cup should be used to measure the prescribed dose. Valtrex can be taken with or without food. The period of intake of the medication is to be decided by the doctor. Lesions should be kept clean and dry and loose clothing can offer comfort.

Valtrex Warnings

This medication should not be recommended to someone who is allergic to valacyclovir. If a person is suffering from HIV/AIDS, a kidney disease or if he has undergone a bone marrow transplant or a kidney transplant then the same should be communicated to the doctor. The drug is not known for causing harmful side- effects to an unborn baby. But the drug passes into the breast milk and so it is harmful for the nursing infants.

Valtrex Missed Dose

A missed dose should not be compensated with extra doses. A missed dose should not be taken if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.

Valtrex Side Effects

Valtrex can harm the red blood cells causing easy bruising, bleeding, red skin spots, pale or yellowish skin. Bloody diarrhea, weakness, fainting, lesser degree of urination are the other commonly observed side effects. Other serious side effects include pain in the lower back, hallucinations, mood changes, drowsiness, loss of appetite and increased thirst, weight gain, confusion, convulsions and vision or speech problems. Some people have also reported headache, stomach pain, nausea, menstrual pain, joint pain and sore throat.

Valtrex Storage

Valtrex in the tablet form can be stored at room temperature and away from heat or moisture. Refrigerator is the ideal place to store the liquid form of the drug. The drug is not to be kept frozen. It is advised to discard any unused Valtrex if it is older than 28 days.

Valtrex Overdose

In case of a drug overdose, the same should be reported to the medical practitioner. An overdose might lead to lesser frequency of urination or no urination at all.

Valtrex More Information

It needs to be informed that the drug cannot prevent the spread of genital herpes. These infectious are contagious and can spread to other individuals even if a person is undergoing treatment with Valtrex. It is better to avoid a sexual intercourse if infected with genital herpes. A latex condom is to be used to prevent the disease from passing onto others. The infected areas should not be brought into contact with other people. The virus even spreads to an infant from his infected mother during childbirth.