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Valtrex (valacyclovir HCl) is the newest drug on the market that is used to treat herpes. The herpes virus presents itself in several different ways. Probably the most common form of herpes is the common cold sore or fever blister. Chicken pox is another form of herpes, as is shingles. The one type of the herpes virus everybody is afraid of is genital herpes.
Valtrex adult dosing recommendations
Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis): The recommended dosage of Valtrex for treatment of cold sores is 2 grams twice daily for 1 day taken 12 hours apart. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (e.g., tingling, itching, or burning).
Genital Herpes - Initial Episode: The recommended dosage of Valtrex for treatment of initial genital herpes is 1 gram twice daily for 10 days. Therapy was most effective when administered within 48 hours of the onset of signs and symptoms.
Genital Herpes - Recurrent Episodes: The recommended dosage of Valtrex for treatment of recurrent genital herpes is 500 mg twice daily for 3 days. Initiate treatment at the first sign or symptom of an episode.
Genital Herpes - Suppressive Therapy: The recommended dosage of Valtrex for chronic suppressive therapy of recurrent genital herpes is 1 gram once daily in patients with normal immune function. In patients with a history of 9 or fewer recurrences per year, an alternative dose is 500 mg once daily.
Genital Herpes: In HIV-infected patients with a CD4+ cell count = 100 cells/mm³, the recommended dosage of Valtrex for chronic suppressive therapy of recurrent genital herpes is 500 mg twice daily.
Genital Herpes - Reduction of Transmission: The recommended dosage of Valtrex for reduction of transmission of genital herpes in patients with a history of 9 or fewer recurrences per year is 500 mg once daily for the source partner.
Herpes Zoster: The recommended dosage of Valtrex for treatment of herpes zoster is 1 gram 3 times daily for 7 days. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of herpes zoster and is most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of rash.
Pediatric Dosing Recommendations
Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis): The recommended dosage of Valtrex for the treatment of cold sores in pediatric patients 12 years of age is 2 grams twice daily for 1 day taken 12 hours apart. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (e.g., tingling, itching, or burning).
Chickenpox: The recommended dosage of Valtrex for treatment of chickenpox in immunocompetent pediatric patients 2 to < 18 years of age is 20 mg/kg administered 3 times daily for 5 days. The total dose should not exceed 1 gram 3 times daily. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom.
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