Antibiotics

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets)

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) is an antiviral drug, the active ingredient is valacyclovir. Valacyclovir is used for the treatment of herpes; it works by controlling the rate of escalation of the virus allowing the body's immune system to fight the infection. Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) does not cure the herpes virus; it only diminishes the symptoms.

Valacyclovir is prescribed for adults and children to treat the infections caused by the Herpes virus, Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) relieves the symptoms associated with shingles, genital herpes, chicken pox, and cold sores. Treatment must begin as soon as the first symptoms are noticed. Symptoms of an infection include blister, burning, and tingling sensations. The herpes virus is very contagious; taking Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) will not cure or stop the spread of the herpes virus.

Medications containing valacyclovir are sold under several brand names. Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) is manufactured by Cipla - India. Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) is available in 1000 mg tablets.

What is Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets)?

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) containing the active ingredient valacyclovir is considered an antiviral type of medication. The medication works by slowing the growth and spread of the herpes virus to allow the immune system to treat the infection. The tablets can be used to treat conditions caused by herpes simplex, herpes zoster and varicella zoster such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles and chickenpox. It can be used to relieve pain and itching, helps sores heal and prevent new ones from forming but cannot be used to cure herpes infections.

How is Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) used?

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) should be taken orally 2 to 3 times per day at the first sign of an outbreak or as directed by a doctor. The tablets can be taken with or without food but should be taken with plenty of water for the duration of the treatment. Contact a doctor for the correct dosage and length of treatment as it will depend on the condition being treated and the patients response to the medication.

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) Side Effects

As with most drugs, there is a chance of side effects when taking Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets). Common side effects associated with Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) include:

• Nausea
• Stomach ache
• Headache
• Dizziness

If any of these side effects continue or get worse contact your doctor as soon as possible.

In rare instances Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 1000mg Tablets) may cause dangerous side effects affecting the kidneys, blood cells, and other parts of the body. The risk increases if you have immune deficiency due to HIV/AIDS, kidney or bone marrow transplant. Symptoms of serious side effects include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dark or bloody urine
• Extreme fatigue
• Fever
• Irregular heartbeat
• Jaundice
• Rapid or slow heartbeat
• Seizures
• Sudden changes in vision
• Unconsciousness
• Unusual or excessive bruising or bleeding

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effect. You may experience other side effects not listed. Contact your doctor or get emergency medical attention if symptoms are severe, persist, or get worse.

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) used for?

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) are used to treat infection infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by herpes simplex virus, including cold sores (herpes labialis), initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes in people with a healthy immune system, and shingles (herpes zoster). Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) are also used for suppression of recurrent genital herpes infections in people with an active immune system (immunocompetent) and to reduce the transmission of genital herpes to others. In HIV-infected patients who are immunocompromised, Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) are used for prevention (prophylaxis) of herpes infections. Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) are also used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years old, and to treat chickenpox, caused by the closely related varicella zoster herpes in children who are at least 2 years old.

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) work?

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) contain valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir that is more readily absorbed and is converted to acyclovir by the liver. Valacyclovir in Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) then works in the same way as acyclovir, as an antiviral agent that is highly active against both types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-I, that causes cold sores and HSV-II that causes genital herpes; and also against the closely related varicella zoster herpes virus that causes chicken pox and shingles. Acyclovir inhibits the action of a viral enzyme (DNA polymerase), blocking viral DNA synthesis without affecting normal cellular processes. This prevents the virus replicating and therefore stops the growth and spread of the virus, relieving symptoms of the infection and helping the body to fight off the infection. Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) will not cure a herpes infection, as the virus can lie dormant in infected cells until reactivated when immunity is low by stress, other illness or even exposure to sunlight, causing new infections like cold sores and shingles; but it does reduce pain and help the sores caused by the infection to heal faster.

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) Dosage

The dosage of Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) is given below. This is a general dosage guideline. Please consult your doctor for exact dosage, which wuill vary as per individual and the indication being treated.

Shingles

For the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster) in adults, the recommended dose is Valtrex 1000 mg (1 gram) taken by mouth three times a day for seven days.

Cold Sores

For the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis) in adults and children age 12 and older, the recommended dose is Valtrex 2000 mg (2 grams), twice a day, for one day. The two doses should be taken about 12 hours apart.

Genital Herpes

When treating the initial infection of genital herpes, the recommended dose is Valtrex 1000 mg (1 gram), taken twice a day for ten days.

For the treatment of recurring outbreaks, the recommended dose is Valtrex 500 mg, taken twice a day for three days.

Genital Herpes Suppression

For preventing future outbreaks of genital herpes, the recommended dose is Valtrex 1000 mg (1 gram), taken once a day, every day. For people who have had fewer than ten outbreaks of genital herpes in one year, the Valtrex dosage may be decreased to 500 mg a day, every day.

For people with HIV and genital herpes who have a CD4 cell count equal to or greater than 100 cells/mm3, the dose of Valtrex to prevent future outbreaks is 500 mg, taken twice a day, every day. Valtrex has not been studied in people with HIV who have a CD4 cell count less than 100 cells/mm3.

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) Side Effects

The side effects of Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) are given below:

Common side effects of Generic Valtrex (Valacyclovir HCl tablets) in adults include headache, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness. Side effects in HIV-infected adults include headache, tiredness, and rash. These side effects usually are mild and do not cause patients to stop taking this medicine.

Other less common side effects in adults include painful periods in women, joint pain, depression, low blood cell counts, and changes in tests that measure how well the liver and kidneys work.

Kidney failure and nervous system problems are not common but can be serious in some patients taking this medicine. Nervous system problems include: aggressive behavior, unsteady movement, shaky movements, confusion, speech problems, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are really not there), seizures, and coma. Kidney failure and nervous system problems have happened in patients who already have kidney disease and in elderly patients whose kidneys do not work well due to age. Always tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems before taking this medicine. Call your doctor right away if you get a nervous system problem while you are taking this medicine.

The most common side effect seen in children <18 years of age is headache.

These are not all the side effects of this medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects that concern you. For more information ask your healthcare provider.

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) Warnings

Immediately proceed to your nearest emergency department if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms usually associated with such a reaction include difficulty breathing or swallowing, chest tightness, swelling, skin rashes, and hives.

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets) is not always suitable for all patients. Always consult your health care provider prior to using this medication if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, using any other medication (prescription or non-prescription), using any herbal products or supplements, or if you have any allergies or other health problems.

The correct dosage and prescription commonly depend on the patient and the condition being treated. Do not adjust your dosage without the approval of your health care provider. This product is only for use as prescribed and instructed.