Warnings For Other Groups
For pregnant women: This drug is a category B pregnancy drug. That means two things:
Talk to your doctor if youre pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Animal studies do not always predict the way humans would respond. Therefore, this drug should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed.
For women who are breastfeeding: This drug may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.
For children: This drug has not been studied for use in treatment or prevention of herpes simplex virus infection in newborn babies. The following are other age limitations for use of this drug:
All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:
- your age
- the severity of your condition
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
How Do You Take Acyclovir And Valacyclovir
The dose of both acyclovir and valacyclovir varies depending on your body weight and the condition you are treating. Your healthcare provider will decide what dose is best for you. Oral valacyclovir is more readily available in your body than oral acyclovir. It can be taken once or twice a day, while acyclovir is generally taken up to five times a day.
If you have kidney disease, talk to your doctor about adjusting your acyclovir or valacyclovir dose.
Acyclovir works better if you take it as soon as possible after experiencing symptoms of herpes infection, chickenpox, or shingles. You can take acyclovir with or without meals, but it is best to take the medication with a full glass of water.
You should take valacyclovir within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. You can take this medication with or without food. To protect your kidneys, drink extra liquids while you are taking valacyclovir.
What Conditions Do Acyclovir And Valacyclovir Treat
Acyclovir and valacyclovir are both used for the following indications:
- Treatment of chickenpox
Additionally, the acyclovir injection can be used to treat:
- Herpes of the brain in children and adults
- Herpes infection in newborn babies
Acyclovir and valacyclovir do not cure cold sores, herpes, or shingles. However, they relieve the symptoms of the outbreaks and help the lesions heal faster.
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Warnings For People With Certain Health Conditions
For people with kidney problems: Your kidneys clear this drug from your body. If you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease, you may not be able to clear it from your body. This may increase the levels of the drug in your body and cause more side effects. This drug can also make your kidney function worse. To help prevent these problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of this drug for you.
For people with advanced HIV or a history of transplant: If you have advanced HIV or a history of bone marrow or kidney transplant, you may be at a higher risk of certain blood disorders. These conditions are called thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome . They can result in severely low red blood cells and platelets in your body. TTP or HUS can cause death.
Which Is Better Acyclovir Or Valacyclovir
The choice between acyclovir and valacyclovir depends on a few factors, including side effects and how often you take the medication. Acyclovir and valacyclovir are equally effective. However, you are more likely to follow your medication regimen if you only need to take medicine once or twice a day versus five times per day.
On the other hand, acyclovir is available as an oral suspension and tablets that dissolve under the tongue. These formulations are easier to use with children or people who have trouble swallowing pills.
Acyclovir is also available as a cream and an ointment. These topical formulations may be applied directly to cold sores or herpes lesions.
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Antibiotic And Antiviral Combination To Treat Influenza
Compared with patients prescribed only an antiviral, patients who are prescribed both an antiviral and an antibiotic have a lower risk for 3-day respiratory hospitalization, according to a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that in the United States, the annual influenza burden is roughly 49 million cases of influenza, 959,000 influenza-related hospitalizations, and 79,400 deaths. Although a majority of individuals recover from influenza infection within 2 weeks, influenza-related morbidity and mortality can also occur 1 to 2 weeks after infection, as a result of superimposed bacterial infections or aggravation of an existing chronic illness. In the last 2 decades, influenza-associated morbidity and mortality have increased, in part as a result of an aging population, which highlights the need for enhanced treatment.
In total, 12,806 cases of influenza were included using data from the Veterans Association Informatics and Computing Infrastructure from 2011 to 2018. Inpatient hospitalizations within 30 days of influenza diagnosis were compared among the following 4 patient cohorts: no treatment , antiviral only , antibiotic only , and both antibiotic and antiviral . Relative risk for hospitalization was estimated using Poisson generalized linear model and robust standard errors.
Valacyclovir May Interact With Other Medications
An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help prevent interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs youre taking.
To find out how valacyclovir oral tablet might interact with something else youre taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that youre taking.
This drug comes with several warnings.
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What Should I Watch For While Using This Medicine
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better after 1 week.
This medicine works best when taken early in the course of an infection, within the first 72 hours. Begin treatment as soon as possible after the first signs of infection like tingling, itching, or pain in the affected area.
It is possible that genital herpes may still be spread even when you are not having symptoms. Always use safer sex practices like condoms made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact.
You should stay well hydrated while taking this medicine. Drink plenty of fluids.
What Are Dosages Of Valacyclovir
Dosages of Valacyclovir :
Adult and Pediatric Dose Forms and Strengths
Capsule
- Adult: 2 g orally every 12 hours for 1 day
- Children under 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- Children over 12 years: 2 g orally every 12 hours for 1 day
Herpes Zoster
- 1 g orally every 8 hours for 7 days
Genital Herpes
- Initial episode: 1 g orally every 12 hours for 10 days
- Recurrent episodes: 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 3 days
- Suppressive therapy : 1 g/day orally
- Suppressive therapy : 500 mg/day orally transmission reduction for source partner, 500 mg/day orally
- Suppressive therapy : 500 mg orally every 12 hours
Chickenpox, Pediatric
- Children under 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- Children over 2 years: 20 mg/kg orally every 8 hours for 5 days not to exceed 1 g orally every 8 hours
Dosing Modifications
- Geriatric: Monitor renal function dosage may have to be adjusted, depending on renal status
Herpes labialis
- CrCl 30-49 mL/min: 1 g orally every 12 hours for 1 day
- CrCl 10-29 mL/min: 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 1 day
- CrCl less than 10 mL/min: 500 mg orally once
Herpes zoster
- CrCl 30-49 mL/min: 1 g orally every 12 hours
- CrCl 10-29 mL/min: 1 g/day orally
- CrCl less than 10 mL/min: 500 mg/day orally
Genital herpes
- CrCl 10-29 mL/min: 1 g/day orally
- CrCl less than 10 mL/min: 500 mg/day orally once/day
Genital herpes
- CrCl up to 29 mL/min: 500 mg/day orally
Genital herpes
- CrCl up to 29 mL/min: 500 mg/day orally
Genital herpes
Genital herpes
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Whats The Difference Between Antibiotics And Antivirals
Antibiotics help the immune system fight off bacterial infections. Bacteria typically reproduce outside of cells, making it easier for medicines to target them. An antibiotic can usually treat many different types of bacterial infections. But the drugs do not affect viruses.
Each antiviral only works against a specific virus. Because viruses inside cells are harder to target, antiviral drugs are more challenging to develop. There are more viruses than antiviral drugs to treat them.
Switch Medications If Necessary
Acyclovir is another antiviral drug that can be used to treat herpes virus and varicella-zoster virus infections. Neither medication is better than the other, but if someone cant tolerate Valtrex or has an underlying medical condition that prevents them from taking it, acyclovir is another good option. You can compare the medications here.
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What Other Drugs Will Affect Valtrex
Valtrex can harm your kidneys. This risk may increase when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, certain antibiotics, medicine for bowel disorders, medicine for high blood pressure, medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medication, and some pain or arthritis medicines . Ask your pharmacist if you are concerned you are taking other medications that may harm your kidneys.
Other drugs may interact with valacyclovir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Can I Take Acyclovir 200mg And Amoxicillin 500mg Together
Asked by peacelovemusic3022
Can I Take Acyclovir 200mg And Amoxicillin 500mg Together?
I’ve recently had a horrible outbreak of cold sores on my face due to stress from my grandmother dying. I went to see my GP and she prescribed me acyclovir 200mg that I take 3 capsules every 6 hours. I woke up this morning with a sore throat, coughing, and sneezing the general indications of the “delta crud” as we call it. I have some left over amoxicillin 500mg from the last time I had this. I was just wondering if it was safe to take them together, or if I should just stick with one or the other.
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What Are Warnings And Precautions For Valacyclovir
Warnings
- This medication contains valacyclovir. Do not take Valtrex if you are allergic to valacyclovir or any ingredients contained in this drug.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to valacyclovir or acyclovir
Effects of Drug Abuse
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Valacyclovir?”
Long-Term Effects
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Valacyclovir?”
Cautions
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura /hemolytic uremic syndrome was reported in patients with advanced HIV disease and in allogeneicbone marrow transplant and renal transplant recipients
- Acute renal failure may occur, especially in elderly patients or those with underlying renal impairment receiving higher than recommended doses use with caution in patients with renal impairment, the elderly, and/or patients receiving nephrotoxic drugs
- Treatment should begin with the earliest symptom in cold sores for genital herpes, it should begin at the first signs and symptoms for herpes zoster, it should begin within 72 hours of the onset of rash for chickenpox, it should begin with the earliest sign or symptom
- Central nervous system effects may occur the risk of CNS adverse effects is higher in elderly patients
- Adequately hydrate patient decreased precipitation in renal tubules may occur
Pregnancy and Lactation
What Are The Risks Of Drinking On Valtrex
Although no drug interactions exist between alcohol and Valtrex, it is still best to avoid alcohol while taking the medication. Alcohol can impair your immune system, making your infection harder to treat. Further, both drinking and Valtrex can cause nausea, potentially worsening that side effect.
Lastly, if you are prescribed multiple doses of Valtrex for your condition, drinking too much may make you less likely to remember to take your next dose on time. This can interfere with your healing and make your infection harder to treat.
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Can Antivirals Prevent The Spread Of Viral Infections
Yes, antiviral drugs can keep you from getting certain viral infections after a suspected or known exposure. For instance, taking specific antivirals:
- During pregnancy lowers the risk of a mother passing HIV to her newborn .
- Daily lowers the risk of giving herpes or HIV to others or getting HIV from an infected partner.
- Within 72 hours of a potential HIV exposure can lower the chances of getting infected.
- Within 48 hours of exposure to the flu virus may keep you from getting sick.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Valtrex
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir .
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease
- a weak immune system
- HIV or AIDS or
- a kidney transplant or bone marrow transplant.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Herpes can be passed to your baby during childbirth if you have a genital lesion when your baby is born. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. Take your medicine as directed to best control your infection.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
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Can You Overdose On Alcohol & Valtrex
You can overdose on both alcohol and Valtrex. However, drinking will not directly cause a Valtrex overdose nor vice versa.
It is possible, although rare, to take too much Valtrex. Overdoses of up to 20 grams have been linked to the development of temporary neurological issues, including mental status changes, seizures and hallucinations.
Alcohol poisoning is unfortunately common with excessive alcohol intake. On average, six Americans die every day from alcohol toxicity. If youre struggling with your drinking habits, addiction treatment can help you live a healthier, alcohol-free life. Contact us today to discuss treatment that can start you on the road to long-term recovery.
How Should I Take Valtrex
Take Valtrex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Start taking Valtrex as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms . This medicine might not be as effective if you first start taking it 1 or 2 days after the start of your symptoms.
Some herpes infections need to be treated for longer than others. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may increase the risk of your virus becoming resistant to antiviral medicine.
You may take Valtrex with or without food.
Tell your doctor if a child taking this medicine cannot swallow the tablet.
Drink plenty of water while you are taking Valtrex to keep your kidneys working properly.
Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.
Store Valtrex tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Valtrex if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir .
To make sure Valtrex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
-
kidney disease
-
HIV/AIDS, or other conditions that can weaken the immune system or
-
a history of kidney transplant or bone marrow transplant.
While Valtrex use in pregnant women is limited, there is no evidence of major risk to the human fetus from valacyclovir. However, herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy, so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.
Valacyclovir can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this Valtrex to a child without medical advice.
Valtrex & Alcohol Side Effects
Valtrex and alcohol share some common side effects. This is one of the big concerns about combining the two substances, as the side effects of one may worsen the side effects of the other.
Nausea is common after drinking too much. This is also a common Valtrex side effect, experienced by approximately 15%of people on the drug.
Headaches are also a common hangover symptom. Further, alcohol can trigger migraines. Headache is by far the most common side effect of Valtrex, impacting up to 38% of people.
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