Valaciclovir is a drug that removes any manifestations of infection such as herpes in the epidermis and mucous membranes.
The main component of the drug is valaciclovir hydrolide. The active substance at the level of DNA synthesis acts on the virus, suppressing its development process, not allowing at the cellular level to multiply. The drug is prescribed to eliminate herpes infection, as well as cytomegalovirus.
On this page you will find all information about Valaciclovir: the full instructions for use for this medicine medium, average prices in pharmacies, complete and incomplete analogs of the drug, as well as reviews of people who have already applied Valaciclovir. Want to leave your opinion? Please write in the comments.
Clinical and pharmacological group
Antiviral agent of the group of nucleoside analogues.
Conditions of leave from pharmacies
Available without a prescription.
Price list
How much is Valaciclovir? The average price in pharmacies is at the level of400 rubles.
.Form of issue and composition
Tablets in a film sheath, in cardboard packs or cans of glass for 10 pieces.
- One tablet contains 556 mg of valaciclovir hydrochloride, (500 mg in terms of valaciclovir).
Pharmacological effect
By acting on active cells of the herpes virus and shingles, the active substance of Valaciclovir destroys the membranes and stimulates disturbances in their functioning. In the most degree, the drug acts on the herpes virus, clearing the goju and preventing its spread.
The drug is also active in large areas of damage, which is important in the treatment of advanced stages of the disease. Undergoing a number of modifications, the active substance of the agent acts on the synthesis of the DNA of the herpes virus, stopping its development and disrupting the functioning processes.
Indications for use
The use of the drug is indicated both for the adult category of patients and for children under certain indications. For adults, the drug is prescribed for treatment:
- in order to reduce the risk of passing genital herpes to genital herpes;
- herpes simplex (on the lips);
- genital herpes (in the first episode, with relapses, if necessary, suppressing the virus in HIV-infected patients);
- herpes zoster (shingles).
In pediatrics, the following indications are needed to prescribe the drug:
- treatment of herpes simplex (in the area of the lips);
- treatment of smallpox chickenpox.
Contraindications
This drug is not used in patients with an individual intolerance to the main active ingredient or the auxiliary components of the tablet. The drug is also not prescribed for the treatment of children less than 12 years of age.
Application in pregnancy and lactation
Adequate and strictly controlled studies of the safety of valaciclovir during pregnancy and lactation are not conducted. Use in this category of patients is possible in cases where the expected benefit of therapy for the mother exceeds the potential risk to the fetus or infant.
It is known that acyclovir, a metabolite of valaciclovir, is excreted in breast milk in concentrations that are 0.6-4.1 times higher than its concentration in plasma. T1 / 2 acyclovir from breast milk is 2.8 hours, which is comparable to T1 / 2 from plasma.
In experimental studies, valacyclovir did not have teratogenic effects in rats and rabbits. When administered orally, valaciclovir did not cause fertility disorders in males and female rats
Instructions for use
In the instructions for use, it is indicated that the valacyclovir tablets are taken orally, washed down with water, regardless of food intake.
Recommended dosing:
- Suppression or prevention of recurrences of infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the herpes simplex virus (including adults with immunodeficiency): immunocompetent patients - 500 mg once a day, adults with immunodeficiency - 500 mg 2 times in a day. The duration of the course is 6-12 months, then evaluation of the effectiveness of therapy is necessary;
- Treatment of infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the herpes simplex virus: 500 mg 2 times a day. In case of relapse - within 3 or 5 days, in case of primary herpes - the course duration should be extended to 10 days. In case of relapse, it is necessary to start taking the drug in the prodromal period or from the moment of appearance of the first signs of the disease. Alternatively, in the treatment of labial herpes, two-fold intake of , 00 mg per day for 1 day with an interval of at least 6 hours is considered effective;
- Treatment of herpes zoster (Herpes zoster) and ophthalmic herpes zoster in adult patients: 1000 mg 3 times a day, course - 7 days.
- Prevention of cytomegalovirus infections and diseases after transplantation of parenchymatous organs: 2000 mg 4 times a day, duration of treatment - 3 months or more. The drug should be taken immediately after transplantation. The dose should be reduced in view of the clearance of creatinine;
In patients with impaired renal function, a dose adjustment is required.
Side effects
Taking the drug may cause the following side effects:
- headache (in 15% of cases);
- nausea (according to medical research, no more than 8% of those who have been treated with valaciclovir);
- Occasionally there was a temporary visual impairment (only 3% of people).
The drug is split in the liver and excreted through the kidneys. People with kidney diseases who are sick with the liver should take reduced doses of the drug (so as not to overload the diseased organ and not worsen its condition).
Overdose
When an overdose of the drug in patients observed deposition of the active substance in the tubules of the kidneys, as a result of which they begin to work inadequately. Treatment of an overdose consists in carrying out hemodialysis - provided the development of anuria and renal failure.
special instructions
In the elderly, caution should be exercised when using any dosage form of the drug, as the likelihood of negative consequences of its use increases.
Drug Interactions
- With the simultaneous use of valacyclovir with drugs that disrupt the function of the kidneys (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus), kidney function may worsen.
- With the simultaneous administration of acyclovir and an inactive metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil (an immunosuppressant used in transplantation), there was an increase in the aUC of acyclovir and mycophenolate mofetil.
Reviews
We picked up some of the people's opinions about Valaciclovir:
- Eve. In our family, herpes is the number one problem! Not only on the lips, but in other places too. Drugs against this virus is a lot, and in the medicine cabinet we have no exception! For myself, I discovered this drug. Valaciclovir, as for me, helps, it is convenient for me, since it is not convenient to anoint ointment everywhere, and it is more convenient to take a pill within a day!
- Maksim. I started taking Valaciclovir due to the fact that it became unbearable to endure herpes rashes - with a healthy way of life genitally. I did not manage to be cured immediately. According to the doctor, I have a chronic chronic form. Only prolonged treatment helped. The scheme was prescribed by a virologist from the polyclinic. It's been 8 months since there's no relapse, not even the slightest symptom. The result suits.
- Tatyana. Acyclovir costs 90 rubles, Valaciclovir (pr-in Russia) costs 600 rubles. And in Ukraine Valaciclovir costs 90 hryvnia - it's not 600 rubles. Is it time to adjust the prices of medicines? not only that I'm not sure that I bought not a fake, like a chalky chalk, so prices are unthinkable. It's hard to live from these prices.
Overall, the reviews are good. The drug permanently eliminatesherpes, the most common side effects are nausea and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Many are satisfied with the relatively low cost of the medicine.
Analogues
Valaciclovir is an active ingredient. It is a part of various drugs (various manufacturers):
- Valaciclovir canon (Chinese valaciclovir) - a tablet of 500 mg.
- Valvir (a preparation manufactured in Iceland) - tablets in two dosages - 500 mg and 1000 mg each.
- Valaciclovir and Valcicon (manufacturer - Russia) - tablets 500 mg. Valaciclovir can be in a higher concentration - 1000 mg each.
- Valavir (Ukraine) - tablets of 500 mg.
- Vairova, Virdel, Valmik (preparations of Indian manufacture) - tablets of 500 mg, Valmic can also be 250 mg.
- Valtrex (valacyclovir from Poland) - tablets of 500 mg.
Before using analogues, consult your doctor.
Storage conditions and shelf life
Keep the drug in a safe, inaccessible place for children, at a temperature of not more than 25 degrees. Shelf life of the drug is 3 years from the date of manufacture, indicated on the package. After this period, tablets should not be taken orally.
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