Valaciclovir Tablets (Valaciclovir Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

Herpes zoster: Administer 1,000 mg of valacyclovir orally per dose 3 times daily for 7 days. Genital herpes infection: Administer 500 mg of this medicine per dose twice daily. For recurrent infection, administer for 5 days; for an initial episode, treatment may be given for up to 10 days if symptoms are severe. Suppression of recurrent genital herpes infection (immunocompetent patients): The total daily dose is 500 mg of this medicine, which may be administered as 250 mg twice daily. A dose of 500mg once daily is also effective, particularly in patients with fewer than 10 recurrences per year. Some patients with 10 or more recurrences per year without treatment may obtain additional benefit from divided doses of 250 mg twice daily (total daily dose 500 mg). Reassess treatment after 6 to 12 months of administration. Suppression of recurrent genital herpes infection (immunocompromised patients): Administer 500 mg of this medicine per dose twice daily. Reduction of transmission of genital herpes: For immunocompetent heterosexual adults with 9 or fewer recurrences per year, the infected sexual partner should take 500 mg of this medicine once daily to reduce transmission to a sexual partner who is negative for Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) antibodies. Prevention of cytomegalovirus infection: Take 2,000 mg of this medicine per dose 4 times daily, starting within 72 hours after transplantation or as soon as oral administration is possible. The dose should be reduced according to creatinine clearance. Treatment usually lasts 90 days, but may need to be extended in high-risk patients. Cold sores: The recommended dose of this medicine for treatment of cold sores is 2,000 mg per dose twice daily, 12 hours apart, for 1 day. Start treatment as soon as the initial signs of cold sores appear (e.g., tingling, itching, burning). Herpes zoster (creatinine clearance 50 or greater): 1,000 mg per dose 3 times daily Herpes zoster (creatinine clearance 30 or greater ～ less than 50): 1,000 mg per dose twice daily Herpes zoster (creatinine clearance 10 or greater ～ less than 30): 1,000 mg per dose once daily Herpes zoster (creatinine clearance less than 10): 500 mg per dose once daily Genital herpes (creatinine clearance 30 or greater): 500 mg per dose twice daily Genital herpes (creatinine clearance less than 30): 500 mg per dose once daily Genital herpes suppression—immunocompetent (creatinine clearance 30 or greater): 500 mg per dose once daily* Genital herpes suppression—immunocompetent (creatinine clearance less than 30): 250 mg per dose once daily Genital herpes suppression—immunocompromised (creatinine clearance 30 or greater): 500 mg per dose twice daily Genital herpes suppression—immunocompromised (creatinine clearance less than 30): 500 mg per dose once daily Cytomegalovirus prevention (creatinine clearance 75 or greater): 2,000 mg per dose 4 times daily Cytomegalovirus prevention (creatinine clearance 50 or greater and less than 75): 1,500 mg per dose 4 times daily Cytomegalovirus prevention (creatinine clearance 25 or greater and less than 50): 1,500 mg per dose 3 times daily Cytomegalovirus prevention (creatinine clearance 10 or greater and less than 25): 1,500 mg per dose twice daily Cytomegalovirus prevention (creatinine clearance less than 10 or during dialysis): 1,500 mg per dose once daily Cold sores (creatinine clearance 50 or greater): 2,000 mg per dose twice daily Cold sores (creatinine clearance 30 or greater and 49 or less): 1,000 mg per dose twice daily Cold sores (creatinine clearance 10 or greater and less than 30): 500 mg per dose twice daily Cold sores (creatinine clearance less than 10): 500 mg per dose once daily *Some patients with 10 or more recurrences per year without treatment may obtain additional benefit from divided doses of 250 mg twice daily (total daily dose 500 mg).

Child dose

Prevention of cytomegalovirus infection (age 12 years and older): Take 2,000 mg of this medicine per dose 4 times daily, starting within 72 hours after transplantation or as soon as oral administration is possible. The dose should be reduced according to creatinine clearance. Treatment usually lasts 90 days, but may need to be extended in high-risk patients. Cold sores (age 12 years and older): The recommended dose is 2,000 mg of this medicine per dose twice daily, 12 hours apart, for 1 day. Start treatment as soon as the initial signs of cold sores appear (e.g., tingling, itching, burning). Chickenpox in children aged 2 years to under 18 years: Administer 20 mg of this medicine per kg of body weight per dose 3 times daily for 5 days. The total dose must not exceed 1,000 mg per dose, 3 times daily.

Extreme caution is warranted because this medication may cause serious hematological diseases when administered in high doses to patients with progressive HIV or those who have received allogenic stem cell and kidney transplants. Patients allergic to this medication, its active metabolite acyclovir, or any component of this drug should not use it. Patients who are dehydrated or particularly elderly should take this medication cautiously while ensuring adequate hydration. For patients with impaired kidney function, the clearance of this drug may be challenging, requiring dosage reduction and careful monitoring of their condition. Caution is also necessary for patients with poor liver function during high-dose administration, and even more so if there are liver dysfunction symptoms. Genital herpes patients should note that this medication does not guarantee complete treatment or prevention of infections; practicing safe sexual behaviors is essential. Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant, and breastfeeding women should use this medication cautiously after consulting with their physician. Elderly patients may require dosage adjustments and careful monitoring due to increased risks of kidney function decline and neuropsychiatric adverse reactions. This medication may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and can rarely lead to thrombocytopenia, rashes, pruritus, and respiratory distress as hypersensitive reactions. Adequate hydration is essential since renal impairment may occur; dialysis may be necessary if acute renal failure occurs. Central nervous system adverse reactions may include headache, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures, and if such unusual symptoms arise, immediate consultation with medical personnel is advised. The earlier this medication is administered at the onset of symptoms, the better the efficacy, so it is advisable to start as soon as the symptoms manifest. In cases of overdose, renal failure and severe neurological symptoms may occur, so it is vital to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosages, and treatment such as dialysis may be necessary in cases of overdose. When engaging in activities that require judgment, such as driving or operating machinery, caution is needed due to potential side effects of this medication. There may be interactions if this medication is used with other nephrotoxic drugs, so inform healthcare professionals and exercise caution. It can be used in children and adolescents, but safety and efficacy differ based on age and dosage, so it should be administered as instructed by a specialist. When storing this medication, it should be kept out of reach of children and not transferred to other containers.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic uremic syndrome, nausea, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, rash including phototoxic reaction, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, dyspnea, anaphylaxis, renal impairment, acute renal failure, renal pain, reversible elevation of liver function test values, headache, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, decreased consciousness, tremors, ataxia, stuttering, seizures, encephalopathy, coma, facial edema, seizures, erythema multiforme, dysmenorrhea, depression, arthralgia, rhinitis, upper respiratory infection, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, herpes simplex, rhinorrhea, hypertension, tachycardia, aggressive behavior, anxiety, coma, mania, delusions, paralysis, decreased consciousness, auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, seizures, visual disturbances, hepatitis, jaundice, liver dysfunction, increased creatinine, interstitial nephritis, aplastic anemia, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, thrombocytopenic purpura, leukopenia, erythema multiforme, hair loss, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, drug reaction (DRESS), interstitial pneumonia, acute pancreatitis, increased BUN, dyspepsia, hiccups, confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, decreased consciousness, coma, nausea, vomiting, headache, seizures

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to prevent exposure to air and moisture, and it is best to keep it at room temperature between 1 degree Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. This way, the effectiveness of the drug can be maintained for a longer period.

Appearance

A white, elongated film-coated tablet that is convex on both sides.

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle