What is the difference between valacyclovir and acyclovir?

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir (Zovirax) are antiviral drugs that work by interfering with viral DNA replication. Both drugs target the same viruses but valacyclovir provides longer duration of action, therefore, doses can be taken fewer times every day - this is the only real advantage.

Does valacyclovir work better than acyclovir?

It's effective against all forms of the herpes virus, with different doses used to treat outbreaks of oral herpes, genital herpes and shingles. The top reason people use valacyclovir instead of acyclovir for treating herpes is its higher level of oral bioavailability.

Are acyclovir and valacyclovir the same?

Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir. This means that after it is in your body, valacyclovir turns into acyclovir. Consequently, both drugs work in similar ways. Acyclovir binds to virus DNA and prevents it from making more DNA and reproducing.

Whats the difference between Valtrex and acyclovir?

(Acyclovir itself is available as a topical, oral, and intravenous medication.) Valtrex thus is active against the same viruses as acyclovir, but Valtrex has a longer duration of action than acyclovir and can be taken fewer times each day.

Can I switch from valacyclovir to acyclovir?

Once acyclovir replaces guanosine, DNA replication of the virus stops. Valacyclovir is a pro-drug for valacyclovir, meaning that it is turned into acyclovir in the body. Both should be started as early as possible after the symptoms appear to be more effective, ideally within 72 hours.

acyclovir vs valacyclovir for suppression

Why is valacyclovir not over the counter?

The panel decided not to approve the switch of oral acyclovir to an OTC antiviral medication primarily because it would establish a precedent for OTC antibiotic medications and could expedite the development of microbial and viral resistance.

How fast does valacyclovir work?

For most initial herpes outbreaks and cases of recurring herpes, valacyclovir takes effect very quickly and provides some level of relief in as little as two to three days. Generally, the sooner you take valacyclovir after noticing symptoms, the faster it will be to provide relief.

What is valacyclovir given for?

Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes virus infections, including herpes labialis (also known as cold sores), herpes zoster (also known as shingles), and herpes simplex (also known as genital herpes) in adults. It is also used to treat chickenpox and cold sores in children.

Can I take Valtrex and acyclovir together?

No interactions were found between acyclovir and Valtrex. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

What can I use instead of acyclovir?

Some of the most popular, effective and widely used herpes medications currently available are valacyclovir (or Valtrex®), acyclovir (or Zovirax®) and famciclovir (or Famvir®). All of these drugs work through a similar mechanism, and all have their place in treating cases of HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Can valacyclovir treat other viruses?

Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes and varicella-zoster viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. Active against herpes viridae including herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1), 2 (HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus.

Can you take acyclovir everyday?

To help clear up your herpes infection, chickenpox, or shingles, keep taking acyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Do not miss any doses. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

What is the most effective cold sore medicine?

Prescription topical anti-viral creams can reduce the severity and duration of a cold sore. The most effective are penciclovir and acyclovir and should be started ASAP at the first signs of a prodrome, per Dr. Shainhouse.

Which is better Zovirax or Valtrex?

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir (Zovirax) are antiviral drugs that work by interfering with viral DNA replication. Both drugs target the same viruses but valacyclovir provides longer duration of action, therefore, doses can be taken fewer times every day - this is the only real advantage.

What should I avoid while taking valacyclovir?

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir)? Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to help keep you from spreading the herpes virus to others. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes.

How good is valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir has an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from a total of 133 ratings for the treatment of Herpes Simplex, Suppression. 74% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 19% reported a negative experience.

What happens if you take valacyclovir everyday?

A new study shows that daily therapy with the antiviral drug Valtrex significantly lowers the risk of transmitting genital herpes among heterosexual couples in which one partner is infected with the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

How long can you take valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5 days.

What are the side effects of taking valacyclovir everyday?

How much valacyclovir should I take during an outbreak?

To treat a recurrent outbreak, the FDA recommends using 500 mg of valacyclovir twice daily for 3 days starting at the first sign or symptom of lesions—preferably within 24 hours of onset. The CDC recommendation is identical but adds in the choice of using valacyclovir 1 g (1000 mg) one time a day for 5 days.

What is valacyclovir 500mg used for?

Descriptions. Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes virus infections, including herpes labialis (also known as cold sores), herpes zoster (also known as shingles), and herpes simplex (also known as genital herpes) in adults. It is also used to treat chickenpox and cold sores in children.

Does caffeine affect valacyclovir?

When it comes to caffeine and Tylenol, two of the things most likely to be consumed while on Valtrex, it's okay to take them unless told otherwise by a medical professional.

Does valacyclovir raise blood pressure?

increased heart rate, and. high blood pressure (hypertension).

How do you get rid of cold sores forever?

There is no cure for cold sores, but some treatments may speed up the healing process, ease bothersome symptoms, and reduce their recurrence. Taking antiviral medications may speed up healing time and reduce recurrence rates. A doctor can prescribe either oral and topical antiviral medications.

What gets rid of cold sores overnight?