Valcivir 1000mg (Valacyclovir)

What is Valcivir 1000 mg Tablet?

Valcivir tablets 1000mg contain valacyclovir, an antiviral agent used to treat infection with herpes simplex virus that cause cold sores (HSV-1), genital herpes (HSV-II) and shingles or herpes zoster (varicella virus); to relieve painful symptoms and help heal blisters; also to prevent recurrent infection. Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes zoster (shingles), herpes simplex, herpes labialis (cold sores), genital herpes and chickenpox (varicella zoster) infections.

This tablets falls under a category of drugs known as antiviral. This drug is utilized to treat infections such as genital herpes, cold sores in children at least 12 years of age and shingles in adults. It also treats chickenpox in children who are 2 years of age.

On using this drug you may experience side effects such as headache, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations, mental and mood disorders such as agitation, seizures, skin rash, difficulty with speech, kidney disorders and nausea. Seek medical help on experiencing any reaction. Discontinue usage if you have fever, weakness, skin paleness, bloody diarrhoea, swelling of body parts and abnormal bleeding.

Before using this medication tell your doctor if; you are allergic to any ingredient contained within Valcivir 1000Mg Tablet, you are allergic to any food or medicine or substance, you are taking any medications, you have kidney disorders, you have HIV or weak immune system, you are pregnant or are nursing a baby.

The dosage is fixed by the doctor taking into consideration your previous medical records and the current condition. The usual dose in adults for treating herpes simplex labialis is 2 g orally every 12 hours in doses of 2.

Valcivir 1000 mg Tablet Uses?

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes zoster (shingles), herpes simplex, herpes labialis (cold sores), genital herpes and chickenpox (varicella zoster) infections. The main ingredient in this drug is classified as a purine nucleoside analog, and it undergoes conversion to aciclovir in the body, possibly as a result of an enzyme known as valaciclovir hydrolase. Following this, it starts to work through disruption and inhibition of viral DNA synthesis, thereby stopping the spread of the herpes virus.

How does Valcivir 1000 mg Tablet work?

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug and belongs to class called synthetic nucleoside analogues. Once ingested, valacyclovir is converted in the body to active form acyclovir. It  works by blocking the viral DNA replication a process essential for the virus to grow and multiply. It thus stops the virus from spreading in the body.

Generic Valcivir works by stopping the herpes viruses to spreading in our body so it preventing cells from infecting within the body. It converts Valtrex to in our body. Once it enter the infected cells, the drug blocks the action of an enzyme called DNA polymerase. This enzyme is needed by the herpes viruses to copy their genetic material to enter other cells. When Valtrex blocks DNA polymerase, the virus is unable to spreading. Comparatively Valtrex price is very marginal.

How to take Valcivir 1000 mg Tablet?

Only take this prescription drug exactly as directed to by a physician. Most often it will be prescribed to be taken 1-2 times per day with a full glass of water. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you can. This medication works best when taken on a full stomach. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) -any other condition that may weaken the immune system -bone marrow or kidney transplant -kidney disease -an unusual or allergic reaction to Valcivir (Valacyclovir), acyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

• For shingles: three times a day for seven days
• For genital herpes: twice a day for 6 to 10 days

Follow the directions of your medicine prescribed to you. Do not break the dose or stop without consulting to your doctor.

Valcivir 1000 mg Tablet Contraindications:

VALCIVIR Tablets are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity or intolerance to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any component of the formulation.

Valcivir 1000 mg Tablet Dosage:

• Missed Dose:

If you miss a dose of Valacyclovir Tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

• Overdose:

Acute renal failure and neurological symptoms, including confusion, hallucinations, agitation, decreased consciousness and coma, have been reported in patients receiving overdoses of valacyclovir. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. Caution is required to prevent inadvertent overdosing. Many of the reported cases involved renally impaired and elderly patients receiving repeated overdoses, due to lack of appropriate dosage reduction.

Patients should be observed closely for signs of toxicity. Haemodialysis significantly enhances the removal of acyclovir from the blood and may, therefore, be considered a management option in the event of symptomatic overdose.

What are the Side effects of Valcivir 1000 mg Tablet?

Patients using Valcivir may encounter unwanted side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness

Contact a doctor immediately should side effects persist or encounter more severe side effects such as:

• Jaundice
• Bloody urine
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Irregular heartbeat
• Vision Changes
• Seizures

In addition to its intended effect, Valcivir 1000Mg Tablet may cause some unwanted effects too. In such cases, you must seek medical attention immediately. This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Please inform your doctor if you experience any adverse reaction to the medication.

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea
• Itching
•  

Valcivir 1000 mg Tablet 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-1000 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.

References:

Imatinib: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 13 September 2017]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a606018.html

DailyMed: Imatinib Mesylate tablet, film coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 13 September 2017]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0291eca5-7a1d-4a79-30be-252224d96509

Imatinib mesylate [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 13 September 2017]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/123596

Imatinib – DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 13 September 2017]. Available from: https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00619

FAQ:

1. Is valacyclovir the same as acyclovir?

No. Valacyclovir is the ‘prodrug’ or the inactive form of acyclovir that gets converted to acyclovir in the body. Both valacyclovir and acyclovir are antiviral drugs used in the prevention and treatment of herpes virus infections.

2. Is valacyclovir the same as Valtrex?

Yes. Valtrex is the trade name for active drug valacyclovir.

3. Is valacyclovir better than acyclovir?

Valacyclovir is the ‘prodrug’ or the inactive form of acyclovir that gets converted to acyclovir in the body. Both valacyclovir and acyclovir are antiviral drugs and their use in various conditions is based on clinical experience. A comparison between these two drugs cannot be drawn.

4. Is valacyclovir a narcotic/an antibiotic/contain penicillin or sulfa?

No. Valacyclovir is not addictive and does not cause drowsiness or relieve pain. It is an antiviral and has no known effect against other infections caused by bacteria or fungi. It does not have a structure or effect similar to penicillin or sulfa drugs.

5. Can I take valacyclovir for cold sores? Does valacyclovir work for cold sores? Is valacyclovir good for cold sores? Can I take valacyclovir for shingels?

Yes. Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug and is effective in the treatment of cold sores (blisters on and around your lips) and shingels (painful rashes usually in the form of a strip of blisters).

6. Can I take valacyclovir with amoxicillin/ doxycycline/ ibuprofen/ alcohol/ cephalexin/ Bactrim/ Benadryl/ prednisone/ Tylenol?

Valacyclovir has no known serious drug interaction with amoxicillin, doxycycline, ibuprofen, cephalexin, Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim), prednisone, acetaminophen (trade name: Tylenol) and active drugs in Benadryl. Please inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid interactions that may reduce effectiveness of any treatment or aggravate side effects.

7. Can I take valacyclovir with alcohol?

There are no known serious interactions between valacyclovir and alcohol.

8. Can I take Valtrex for flu/UTI/canker sores?

No. Valtrex is the trade name for active drug valacyclovir. It is an antiviral drug and is effective in the treatment herpes virus infections. It has no known effect in the treatment of flu or urinary tract infections (UTI) or canker sores (mouth ulcers that are not due to viral infections).

9. Can I take Valtrex for 2 days/ for life/ forever?

Valtrex is the trade name for active drug valacyclovir. The dose and duration of treatment depends on the patient’s immune system (if it is active or weak), the condition being treated and shall be decided by the doctor.