Valacyclovir

It is an antiviral drug used in the management of herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and herpes B.

Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir; Valaciclovir; Valtrex; Zelitrex; Valacyclovir hydrochloride

Valamac, Valavir, Valcivir

2-[(2-amino-6-oxo-6,9-dihydro-3H-purin-9-yl)methoxy]ethyl (2S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanoate

Valaciclovir (INN) or Valacyclovir (USAN) is a prodrug and synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1), 2 (HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is converted to L-valine and acyclovir. The inhibitory activity of valaciclovir is highly selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) encoded by HSV and VZV. This viral enzyme converts acyclovir into acyclovir monophosphate, which is then converted into acyclovir diphosphate and triphosphate by cellular enzymes. Acyclovir is selectively converted to the active triphosphate form by cells infected with herpes viruses.

NA

For the treatment or suppression of cold sores (herpes labialis), herpes zoster (shingles), genital herpes in immunocompetent individuals, and recurrent genital herpes in HIV-infected individuals.

Headache, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, convulsion, confusion

Valacyclovir may interact with lithium, methotrexate, NSAIDs, immunosuppressive drugs, IV antibiotics, mesalamine, anti-viral drugs, anti-cancer drugs including cisplatin and carmustine.

Hypersensitivity

Store at 20-25°C.

Molecular weight

324.3357

Molecular formula

C13H20N6O4

CAS number

124832-26-4

Precautions

• Valacyclovir should not be prescribed to patients in dialysis-dependent renal patients, HIV/AIDS and renal or bone marrow transplanted patients.
• Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. 
• Valacyclovir cannot prevent the spread of genital herpes.
• Avoid sexual contact while taking Valacyclovir or use barrier techniques such as condoms.
• Do not touch infected lesions.