1. Is Valtrex and valacyclovir same or different? Is Valtrex and valacyclovir same or different? Acyclovir and Valacyclovir are similar drugs wont to treat herpes infections. They’re so similar that valacyclovir is taken into account a prodrug of acyclovir. In other words, valacyclovir is transformed into acyclovir within the body. Both medications are categorized during a class of medicine called antivirals. They work by blockade the virus from multiplying. Although acyclovir and valacyclovir are identical drugs, there are some slight differences between the 2. Acyclovir Acyclovir is that the generic or chemical name for Sitavig and Zovirax. It works as a purine analogue to dam activity from the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus. More specifically, acyclovir is employed to treat herpes genitalis, shingles infections, chickenpox (varicella), and herpes infections like cold sores. Acyclovir is out there as a generic medication. It are often administered as a 200 mg oral capsule, 200 mg/5 mL oral suspension, and 5% topical ointment. Acyclovir is usually taken as a 400 mg or 800 mg oral tablet up to five times per day counting on the infection. Valacyclovir Valacyclovir is understood by its name, Valtrex. It’s rapidly processed and converted into acyclovir, its active component. Valacyclovir is approved to treat herpes genitalis, cold sores (herpes labialis), and herpes zoster. It also can treat cold sores and chickenpox in younger patients. Valacyclovir is equipped as a 500 mg or 1 gm oral tablet. Unlike acyclovir, valacyclovir are often taken once or twice daily. The recommended dose for herpes zoster are often up to three times daily. The lower frequency of dosing could also be preferred for a few patients. Acyclovir vs. Valacyclovir Side by Side Comparison Acyclovir and valacyclovir are very similar drugs. While they both treat an equivalent infections, they need some differences in how they're formulated. These differences are often found below.

2. Acyclovir Valacyclovir Prescribed For Herpes simplex Herpes simplex Genital herpes Genital herpes Herpes labialis (cold sores) Herpes labialis (cold sores) Herpes zoster (shingles) Herpes zoster (shingles) Varicella Varicella Drug Classification Antiviral Antiviral Manufacturer Generic Generic Common Side Effects Headache Headache Nausea Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain Fatigue Nausea Diarrhea Vomiting Fatigue Is there a generic? Acyclovir is the generic name Valacyclovir is the generic name Is it covered by insurance? Varies according to your provider Varies according to your provider Dosage Forms Oral capsule Oral tablet Oral tablet Oral suspension Topical ointment Drug Interactions Probenecid Phenytoin No clinically significant drug interactions known Valproic acid

3. Can I use while plan pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding? Acyclovir is in Pregnancy Category B. There are not any dedicated studies assessing acyclovir in pregnant women. Consult a doctor regarding steps to require if planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Valacyclovir is in Pregnancy Category B. There are not any dedicated studies assessing valacyclovir in pregnant women. Consult a doctor regarding steps to require if planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Summary Acyclovir and valacyclovir are identical drugs that refreshment herpes simplex viruses. Both drugs treat HSV-1, HSV-2, and herpes zoster disease. While they're similar, they need some differences in formulation and dosing. Acyclovir may have to be haunted to five times daily counting on the infection being treated. This frequency in dosing may warrant the essential of up to 10 tablets if lower strength tablets are taken. Valacyclovir, on the opposite hand, are often haunted to 2 or 3 times daily. Despite their differences in dosing, acyclovir and valacyclovir have hint difference ineffectiveness? Both drugs got to be used with caution in elderly patients and people with renal impairment. This is often thanks to the increased risk of adverse effects in these populations. Both acyclovir and valacyclovir should only be used with an instruction and advice from a doctor. The knowledge presented here is supposed to supply an academic comparison. Acyclovir or valacyclovir could also be recommended supported other factors which will not be listed here.

4. Is there a generic Valtrex? Is there a generic Valtrex? Highlights for valacyclovir 1. Valacyclovir oral tablet is out there as a proprietary drug and a drug. Brand name: Valtrex. 2. Valacyclovir comes only as a tablet you're taking orally. 3. Its wont to treat cold sores (oral herpes), shingles, or chickenpox. It’s also wont to treat or prevent flare-ups of herpes genitalis. Important warnings Blood disorders warning: surely people, this drug can cause idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). These conditions source a severely low level of red blood cells and platelets in your body. May result in death. You’re in danger of those problems if you’ve had a bone marrow or a kidney transplant. You’re also in danger if you've got advanced HIV or AIDS. Kidney failure warning: In some cases, this drug can cause your kidneys to prevent working. This will occur if you’re on a high dose of this medication and have existing kidney problems. It also can occur if you’re taking other drugs which will harm your kidneys, if you’re not well hydrated, or if you’re over the age of 65 years. Effects on the central systema nervosum warning: If you've got renal disorder or use this drug at higher doses than your doctor prescribes, it can build up in your body. High levels of this drug can cause serious side effects that shock your brain. Symptoms can include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real) or deception (believing things that aren’t true). They will also include agitation, confusion, or seizures. If you've got any of those side effects, stop taking this drug. What is valacyclovir? Valacyclovir may be a prescription. It comes within the sort of a tablet you're taking orally. Valacyclovir is out there as a proprietary drug called Valtrex. It’s also available as a drug. Generic drugs commonly cost but the brand-name version. In some cases, they'll not be accessible in every strength or form because the proprietary drug. This drug could also be used as a part of a blend therapy. This suggests you'll got to take it with other treatment.

5. Why it’s used Valacyclovir is employed to treat viral infections caused by a gaggle of viruses called herpes simplex viruses. These infections include oral and herpes genitalis, shingles, and chickenpox. Oral herpes causes cold sores. These are small, painful sores that you simply can get in or around your mouth. Cold sores are often spread by kissing or other physical contact with the infected area of the skin. Genital herpes may be a sexually transmitted disease. This suggests its spread through sexual contact. Symptoms include small, painful blisters on the genital space. You’ll spread herpes genitalis to your sexual partner even once you don’t have any symptoms. This drug is employed to treat or prevent flare-ups of herpes genitalis in people with normal immune systems, or in people with HIV. Shinglesis caused by an equivalent virus that causes chickenpox (varicella zoster). Symptoms of shingles include small, agonizing blisters that appear on the skin. Shingles can occur in people that have already had chickenpox. It also can spread to people that haven't had chickenpox before through contact with the infected skin. Chickenpoxcauses an itchy rash of small, red bumps which will appear as if pimples or insect bites. The rash can advancement almost anywhere on the body. Chickenpox also can cause flu-like symptoms, like fever or tiredness. This drug is employed to treat chickenpox in children ages 2 to18 years who have a traditional system. How it works Valacyclovir belongs to a category of medicine called antiviral drugs. a category of antibiotic may be a group of medicines that employment during a similar way. These drugs are often wont to treat similar situation. The herpes spreads in your body by generate more of its cells. Valacyclovir works by making it harder for the herpes to spread (make more cells) in your body. This drug doesn't cure herpes infections. The herpes should sleep in your body after treatment. This suggests the infection may appear again at a later time even after the symptoms of the primary infection are gone. However, this drug can help avert such a re-infection at a later time. Valacyclovir side effects Valacyclovir oral tablet doesn’t source drowsiness, but it can source other side effects.

6. More common side effects The more universal side effects of valacyclovir can include: headache nausea vomiting dizziness pain in your stomach area If these effects are mild, they'll get distant within a few of days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more relentless or don’t get away, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Serious side effects Kidney failure. Symptoms can include: severe drowsiness urinating but usual swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet Unusual mood or behavior. Symptoms can include: aggressive behavior unsteady or shaky movements confusion hallucinations seizures coma