Valaciclovir Pharmacology

Valaciclovir

About Valaciclovir

Acyclic purine nucleoside analog, Antiviral(Herpes virus).

Mechanism of Action of Valaciclovir

Valaciclovir is a prodrug and it is converted by the enzyme esterase to Acyclovir. It is converted to Acyclovir monophosphate by Thymidine kinase and it is again phosphorylated by Cellular kinase and form Acyclovir triphosphate. This Acyclovir triphosphate competitively inhibits DNA polymerase enzyme and inhibits DNA synthesis. Acyclovir triphosphate is also incorporated in viral DNA and stops the DNA elongation and permanent inactivation. These all inhibit viral replication.

Pharmacokinets of Valaciclovir

Absorption: It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration
Distribution: It is widely distributed in the body.
Metabolism: It undergoes metabolism and form acyclovir.
Excretion: It is excreted through urine and faeces

Onset of Action for Valaciclovir

30 minutes

Duration of Action for Valaciclovir

N/A

Half Life of Valaciclovir

2 - 4 hours

Side Effects of Valaciclovir

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Burning and stinging
4. Malaise
5. Tremor
6. Hallucinations
7. Lethargy
8. Parasthesia

Contra-indications of Valaciclovir

1. Hypersensitivity to Valaciclovir
2. Acyclovir
3. Famciclovir

Special Precautions while taking Valaciclovir

1. Renal impairment
2. Psychiatric problems
3. Depression
4. Patients taking nephrotoxic drugs

Pregnancy Related Information

Use with caution

Old Age Related Information

Use with caution

Breast Feeding Related Information

Contraindicated

Children Related Information

Contraindicated
NEONATES: Contraindicated

Indications for Valaciclovir

1. Herpes simplex virus infection of skin and mucous membrane
2. Herpes zoster infections

Interactions for Valaciclovir

Cimetidine, Probenecid: Increases Acyclovir blood levels

Typical Dosage for Valaciclovir

Herpes zoster infection in immunocompromised patient: 3g / day in 3divided dose for 1 week
Genital herpes infection: 1 - 2 g / day in 2 divided dose for 10 days
Genital herpes in immunocompromised patient: 1 g / day in 2 divided dose for 5 days

Schedule of Valaciclovir

Storage Requirements for Valaciclovir

Store in airtight container at a temperature of 15 - 25 degree C.Protect from heat and light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Effects of Missed Dosage of Valaciclovir

Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time to take the next dose then skip the missed dose.

Effects of Overdose of Valaciclovir

Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Haemodialysis can be used in emergency condition for the removal of drug.

Home Delivery for Valaciclovir in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including valaciclovir.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for valaciclovir and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for valaciclovir may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take valaciclovir only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for valaciclovir before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for valaciclovir with the pharmacy.

Valaciclovir is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for valaciclovir might be better known than valaciclovir itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have valaciclovir in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for valaciclovir.