Valacyclovir HCl Syrup (Valacyclovir HCl capsule) Information

What is Valacyclovir HCl and for what Valacyclovir HCl is used?

Valacyclovir HCl medication belong to Anti-infective/Antiviral class. Valacyclovir HCl converted to acyclovir, which then inhibits viral DNA replication by interfering with viral DNA polymerase.

How to Take Valacyclovir HCl

Take Valacyclovir HCl exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Valacyclovir HCl is generally available in market in the form Tablets 500 mg , Tablets 1 g.

Dosage Instructions for Valacyclovir HCl Drug

Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles); treatment or suppression of genital herpes; treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores).

Contraindications of Valacyclovir HCl Drug

Hypersensitivity or intolerance to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any component of the formulation.

Interactions of Valacyclovir HCl with other drugs

Cimetidine, probenecid: Increased acyclovir serum concentrations.

What are the Side Effects of Valacyclovir HCl -

Like other medicines, Valacyclovir HCl can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Valacyclovir HCl include

* Hypertension, tachycardia (postmarketing).
* Headache (38%); depression (7%); dizziness (4%); aggressive behavior, agitation, ataxia, coma, confusion, decreased consciousness, dysarthria, encephalopathy, mania, psychosis
* Erythema multiforme, rashes (including photosensitivity), alopecia
* Arthralgia (6%); acute hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis, angioedema, dyspnea, pruritus, rash, and urticaria), facial edema, leukocytoclastic vasculitis (postmarketing).
* Increased AST (4%); increased serum creatinine, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, decreased hemoglobin (1%); abnormal liver enzymes, elevated creatinine, aplastic anemia (postmarketing).
* Nausea (15%); abdominal pain (11%); vomiting (6%); diarrhea (postmarketing).

Warnings and precautions before taking Valacyclovir HCl :

* Review dose and appropriate dosing schedule Valacyclovir depending on condition being treated (shingles, cold sores, or genital herpes). Instruct patient to take medication exactly as prescribed and not to stop taking or change the dose unless advised by health care provider.
* Advise patient Valacyclovir that medication can be taken without regard to meals but to take with food if stomach upset occurs.
* Remind patient using medication for cold sores that it is not a cure and to initiate therapy at the first symptom of a cold sore (eg, tingling, itching, burning). Remind patient that treatment should not exceed 2 doses taken about 12 hr apart.
* Remind patient using medication for recurrent episodes of genital herpes to initiate therapy at the first sign or symptom or recurrence and that medication may not be effective if started more than 24 hr after onset of signs or symptoms of recurrence.
* Advise patient Valacyclovir with genital herpes that this drug is not a cure for genital herpes and does not prevent transmission of virus. Instruct patient to avoid sexual intercourse when lesions and/or symptoms are present to avoid infecting partner.
* Advise patient Valacyclovir to contact health care provider if medication does not seem to be controlling lesions and/or symptoms or if intolerable side effects develop.
* Caution patient to avoid unnecessary exposure to UV light (sunlight, tanning booths) and to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.
* Advise women Valacyclovir to contact health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
* Instruct patient not to take any prescription or OTC medications or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.
* Advise patient that follow-up visits may be necessary to monitor therapy and to keep appointments.
* Advise patient before taking Valacyclovir not to change brands of medicine.

What if Overdose of Valacyclovir HCl ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Valacyclovir HCl , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Acute renal failure, anuria are may be the overdose symptoms of Valacyclovir HCl .

What if Missed Dose of Valacyclovir HCl ?

If you miss a dose of Valacyclovir HCl medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Valacyclovir HCl :

* Administer Valacyclovir prescribed dose without regard to meals. Administer with food if GI upset occurs.
* Valacyclovir Dose and duration of therapy is dependent on condition being treated.
* Store Valacyclovir at controlled room temperature (59° to 77°F).

Alien writes for cymbalta . He also writes for online doctor and medicare.

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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