Valcivir 500 Mg

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Akanksha Kaushal

Dr. Akanksha, Pharm-D

Dr. Akansha is a licensed Clinical Pharmacologist with extensive expertise in pharmacovigilance, prescription analysis, drug information, and safety. She's a dedicated educator and avid learner. Dr. Akansha also reviews medical content on GoodRxMedicine, ensuring accurate pharmaceutical information is accessible to all.

Written by

Julian Carter

Julian Carter

Julian, an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, brings a dynamic blend of expertise and impact with his contributions at GoodRxMedicine. His dedication and innovative spirit continue to shape a brighter future in pharmaceutical management.

What is Valcivir 500 mg

Valcivir 500 mg tablet is an antiviral medication effective against infections caused by Herpes Labialis, Genital Herpes, and Herpes Zoster.

It contains Valacyclovir, which belongs to the purine (guanine) nucleoside analog drug class. This salt helps to inhibit their growth by preventing the multiplication of viruses to clear the infections.

It is manufactured and marketed by Cipla Ltd.

Uses of Valcivir 500

This antiviral medication with Valacyclovir helps to treat infections caused by Herpes viruses. The main uses include:

• Herpes Labialis (cold sores): This primarily affects the lip, and symptoms include burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. It treats cold sore outbreaks caused by the Herpes Simplex virus.
• Genital Herpes: A sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores. It treats initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes in immunocompetent patients. It also suppresses outbreaks in immunocompetent and HIV-infected patients.
• Herpes Zoster (shingles): A viral infection causes a painful rash. It reduces the length and severity of this infection.

Working and benefits of Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir, present in Valcivir, is converted into Acyclovir inside the body. This ingredient works mainly against Herpes viruses. This conversion happens using enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract and liver through enzymatic hydrolysis.

This process helps the medicine be better absorbed in the body. As a result, Valacyclovir has higher bioavailability (more of the medicine reaches the bloodstream) than Acyclovir. This mechanism mainly works where the virus is present.

The activated ACV-TP mimics a natural building block of viral DNA (dGTP) and competes with it. It blocks a certain enzyme that the virus needs to copy its genetic material. Once it has finished mimicking, the virus gets stuck while trying to use ACV-TP to build its DNA.

As Acyclovir doesn't allow the DNA chain to grow any further or let the virus detach itself, DNA synthesis is halted. This prevents viral multiplication, thus treating the infection. Since it only activates in virus-infected cells, it does not harm healthy cells, making it an effective option for treating viral infections.

The benefits of the Valcivir 500 tablet include:

• Effectively treats Herpes infections
• Shortens duration and severity of symptoms
• Improves quality of life

Dosage and how to take Valcivir 500

Follow the given instructions to take Valcivir 500 dosage:

• Take it in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor.
• Swallow the Valcivir tablet; do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Take 1-3 tablets daily with or without food.
• Your dosage will depend on the severity and type of your medical condition. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Side effects

Just like other medications, this antiviral medication, in some cases, can cause some mild side effects. These include:

• Headache
• Stomach ache
• Nausea

These Valcivir 500 side effects subside as your body adjusts to the dosage. However, consult a doctor immediately if they persist or worsen.

Interactions

Valacyclovir may interact with other medicines, underlying health conditions, and foods you take. The below list may not describe all possible interactions. Hence, consult your doctor for personalized advice.

Drug interactions

Some medicines can interact with the Valacyclovir 500 mg medication. These include:

• Nephrotoxic Drugs: Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin, Amikacin), NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen), Vancomycin, and Cyclosporine can increase the risk of kidney damage.
• Probenecid and Cimetidine: It can lead to increased side effects.
• Immunosuppressants: Medications like Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate Mofetil may increase the risk of kidney toxicity.
• HIV Medications: Medicines like Tenofovir, Zidovudine (AZT), and Didanosine can increase the risk of kidney damage and other side effects.
• Methotrexate: It is used in Cancer and autoimmune diseases and may cause increased toxicity.

Disease interactions

Valacyclovir should be used with caution in individuals with certain medical conditions like:

• Kidney conditions
• Neurological conditions
• Weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS)
• Organ transplant patients, Cancer patients on Chemotherapy

Food interactions

There are no known food interactions while taking this medication. Hence, inform your doctor about all the supplements, foods, and beverages for personalized guidance.

Precautions

Before starting Valcivir 500 mg tablet, ensure to take note of the following:

• Avoid if you are allergic to Valacyclovir or any of the medicine’s components.
• Inform your healthcare professional if you have underlying kidney or liver conditions, problems with your immune system, Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV), or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
• Update your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
• Older adults must consult with their doctor before starting this treatment.

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FAQs

For how long do I need to take Valcivir 500 tablet?

The Valcivir 500 tablet treatment duration depends on your condition and response. For shingles with a healthy immune system, it's typically 7 days. If immunity is low, treatment may take an extra 2 days after the lesions heal. Always follow your doctor's advice for proper use and effectiveness.

Can I take Valcivir-500 tablet in an extra dose to recover quickly?

No, taking the Valcivir-500 mg tablet in more than the recommended dose may increase the potential side effects. It won't help speed up recovery, so stick to the prescribed dosage and follow your doctor's advice for optimum results.

Can I take Valcivir-500 tablet if I have HIV infection?

Yes, you can take Valcivir-500 mg if you have an HIV infection. It effectively manages Herpes infections in HIV-infected individuals. However, monitoring is still advised, especially in advanced cases. Hence, consult a doctor for personalized advice.

Is Valcivir 500 tablet an antibiotic or a steroid? What is it used for?

No, the Valcivir tablet is neither an antibiotic nor a steroid. It is an antiviral medicine and acts against viruses. It treats chickenpox, cold sores, and genital herpes conditions and acts against viruses like varicella-zoster and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Can Valcivir 500 tablets be given to children for chicken pox?

Yes, Valcivir tablet can be given to children aged between 2-18 years for chickenpox conditions. It should be administered within 24 hours of occurring symptoms for best results. Seek doctor’s guidance for the right dosage and duration.