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Indications

REMS

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

GI: nausea, abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea.

GU: crystalluria, RENAL FAILURE.

Hemat: THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA/HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME (VERY HIGH DOSES IN IMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENTS).

Neuro: headache, agitation, confusion, delirium, dizziness, encephalopathy, hallucinations, SEIZURES, weakness.

Interactions

Drug-Drug:

Availability

(Generic available)

Route/Dosage

Herpes Zoster

Renal Impairment

Genital Herpes

Renal Impairment

Herpes Labialis

Renal Impairment

Chickenpox

US Brand Names

Valtrex

Action

Therapeutic Effects:

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antivirals

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: 54% bioavailable as acyclovir after oral administration of valacyclovir.

Distribution: CSF concentrations of acyclovir are 50% of plasma concentrations.

Metabolism/Excretion: Rapidly converted to acyclovir via intestinal/hepatic metabolism. Primarily excreted in the urine as acyclovir.

Half-life: 2.5–3.3 hr; up to 14 hr in renal impairment (acyclovir).

Time/Action Profile

(plasma concentrations†)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknown1.5–2.5 hr8–24 hr

†Acyclovir.

Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

val-ay-SYE-kloe-veer audio

Code

NDC Code*