Valaciclovir tablets 500 mg for herpes simplex, herpes zoster and varicella

Are Valaciclovir tablets 500 mg effective for herpes simplex, herpes zoster and varicella?

Valaciclovir hydrochloride tablets offer powerful and effective antiviral treatment for individuals affected by herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles), and varicella (chickenpox). As a trusted and clinically backed medication, valaciclovir is widely recognized for its role in reducing the duration, severity, and recurrence of herpes-related infections.

Valaciclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir — a well-established antiviral agent. Once ingested, it converts into acyclovir in the body, delivering strong antiviral action with enhanced absorption. Valaciclovir hydrochloride tablets boast superior oral bioavailability compared to acyclovir (approximately 55%), which leads to faster, more efficient suppression of viral replication. This makes them a preferred option among herpes simplex tablets and herpes zoster tablets.

How Valaciclovir Tablets Work

Valaciclovir hydrochloride inhibits the synthesis of viral DNA in herpes viruses, effectively stopping the spread and replication of:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) — including genital and oral herpes
• Varicella zoster virus (VZV) — causing chickenpox and shingles

This antiviral mechanism allows the body to heal faster, reduces symptoms, and lowers the risk of virus transmission. The effectiveness of acyclovir, the active form of valaciclovir, is well-documented. In the article “Acyclovir. An updated review of its antiviral activity, pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic efficacy” (O’Brien, J.J., Campoli-Richards, D.M., Drugs, 1989), researchers emphasized the ability of long-term oral acyclovir to fully suppress herpes simplex recurrences in most patients.

Key Benefits of Valaciclovir Hydrochloride Tablets

Valaciclovir tablets provide comprehensive advantages for managing herpes-related conditions:

• Fast symptom relief from pain, burning, and itching
• Reduced healing time for lesions and blisters
• Lower frequency and severity of future outbreaks
• Effective in preventing transmission, especially in genital herpes
• Convenient dosing schedule due to better bioavailability
• Trusted treatment for stem cell transplant patients, helping to suppress viral reactivation

Whether used for treatment or long-term suppression, valaciclovir hydrochloride tablets have demonstrated consistent and reliable results.

Applications in Herpes Management

Valaciclovir tablets are routinely prescribed for:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2): Treating cold sores and genital herpes, and preventing future episodes
• Herpes zoster (shingles): Reducing nerve pain and rash duration
• Varicella (chickenpox): Shortening illness in children and adults
• Post-transplant viral suppression: Minimizing complications in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Because valaciclovir delivers high concentrations of the active antiviral agent with fewer doses per day, patients often find it easier to maintain compliance during treatment.

Valaciclovir hydrochloride tablets are included in the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, underscoring their importance in global healthcare. Backed by extensive clinical use and evidence, these herpes simplex tablets and herpes zoster tablets remain a trusted and effective choice for patients and healthcare providers alike.

For reliable relief and proactive management of herpes-related infections, valaciclovir tablets stand as a clinically proven, well-tolerated, and widely recommended option.

Package details: 42 tablets

Dosage and administration:

• For herpes simplex: adults should take 1 tablet (500 mg as valaciclovir) at a time, 2 times a day. Children weighing 40 kg or more should take 1 tablet (500 mg) at a time, 2 times a day.
• For prevention of herpes simplex virus infection associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: adults should take 1 tablet (500 mg) at a time, 2 times a day from 7 days prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to 35 days after transplantation throughout. Children weighing 40 kg or more should take 1 tablet (500 mg) at a time, 2 times a day from 7 days prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to 35 days after transplantation throughout.
• For herpes zoster: adults should take 2 tablets (1000 mg) at a time, 3 times a day. Children weighing 40 kg or more should take 2 tablets (1000 mg) at a time, 3 times a day.
• For varicella: adults should take 2 tablets (1000 mg) at a time, 3 times a day. Children weighing 40 kg or more should take 2 tablets (1000 mg) at a time, 3 times a day.
• For prevention of recurrence of genital herpes: adults should take 1 tablet (500 mg as valaciclovir) at a time, once a day. Patients with HIV infection (CD4 lymphocyte counts of 100/mm3 or more) should take 1 tablet (500 mg) at a time, 2 times a day. Children weighing 40 kg or more should take 1 tablet (500 mg) at a time, once a day. Patients with HIV infection (CD4 lymphocyte counts of 100/mm3 or more) should take 1 tablet (500 mg) at a time, 2 times a day.

Active components: valaciclovir hydrochloride

Therapeutic effect: treatment of herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and varicella; prevention of herpes simplex virus infections related to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and recurrent genital herpes

Contraindications and precautions: Store in a dry cool place, out of reach of children. Do not use for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Unless the patient has been instructed to restrict fluid intake, patient should take a larger amount of water than usual while taking this medicine. Due to the risk of consciousness disorder, patient should pay close attention when operating dangerous machinery or driving a car. As patients with renal dysfunction are more susceptible to consciousness disorder, they should avoid operating dangerous machinery and driving a car if instructed to do so by their doctor. Do not expose to sunlight or heat. If allergic symptoms occur, discontinue use.