Valavir 500mg Tablet is an antiviral medicine used in the treatment of herpes labialis, genital herpes infection, and herpes zoster infections. It prevents the multiplication of viruses in human cells and clears up the infection.

Valavir 500mg Tablet should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. You should drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine as it helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.

It may lead to a few common side effects like headache, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, itching (pruritus), and abdominal pain. Inform your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Uses of Valavir Tablet

Benefits of Valavir Tablet

In Herpes labialis

Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores, is a viral infection that primarily affects the lip. Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. The first attack may also be accompanied by fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. Valavir 500mg Tablet can speed up the healing of herpes labialis and also prevent recurrence of the sores.

In Genital herpes infection

Genital herpes infection is a common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores. It can affect both men and women. Symptoms include pain, itching, and irritation. Valavir 500mg Tablet helps in treating the symptoms effectively and also prevents the multiplication of the infection-causing virus.

In Herpes zoster

Herpes zoster infection is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Valavir 500mg Tablet can shorten the length and severity of the infection. It is most effective if you start taking it as soon as possible after the rash appears. Keeping the immune system healthy is the best way to prevent it. Maintaining good hygiene is another way of preventing herpes zoster infection.

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Side effects of Valavir Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Valavir

Headache
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Dizziness
Vomiting
Itching
Diarrhea

How to use Valavir Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Valavir 500mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Valavir Tablet works

Valavir 500mg Tablet is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.

Safety advice

Alcohol

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Valavir 500mg Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Valavir 500mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Valavir 500mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Driving

UNSAFE

Valavir 500mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney

CAUTION

Valavir 500mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Valavir 500mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine to lower the side effects on the kidney.

Liver

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Valavir 500mg Tablet is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Valavir 500mg Tablet is recommended.

What if you forget to take Valavir Tablet?

If you miss a dose of Valavir 500mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

Valavir 500mg Tablet

₹37.67/Tablet

Valcivir 500 Tablet

Cipla Ltd

₹64.53/tablet

71% costlier

Valtoval 500 Tablet

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹26/tablet

31% cheaper

Zimivir 500 Tablet

Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹45.57/tablet

21% costlier

Valamac 500mg Tablet

Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹37.33/tablet

1% cheaper

Valcet 500mg Tablet

Kivi Labs Ltd

₹40/tablet

6% costlier

View all substitutes

Quick tips

Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
Drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine. This helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
If you have genital herpes, use barrier methods (condoms) for contraception and avoid sexual contact while the sores are present.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Nucleoside analog

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

ANTI INFECTIVES

Action Class

Antiviral (Non-HIV) drugs

Patient concerns

How to treat Herpes treatment sir?? Its came to me on sonta right side only, please help me sir

Dr. Souvik Sardar

Dermatology

Hello PATIENT a picture.Herpes simplex and herpes zoster r different and have different dosage

I've harpeas(nagin) on back and stomach due to which itching takes place which treatment and medicine should I use???

Dr. Atula Gupta

Dermatology

medicine is fine for herpes zoster . Complete the entire course

User feedback

What are you using Valavir Tablet for?

Herpes zoster

33%

Others

33%

Herpes labial*

33%

*Herpes labialis

FAQs

For how long do I need to take Valavir 500mg Tablet?

The duration of Valavir 500mg Tablet treatment depends on the disease you are being treated for and whether your immune system is capable of fighting infections or not. For example, if you are taking it for shingles and your immune system works effectively, then you may need to take it for 7 days only. But, if your immunity is compromised, then you may need to take Valavir 500mg Tablet for 7 days and 2 days more after the lesions have dried and healed. Follow your doctor’s recommendations strictly.

Does Valavir 500mg Tablet cure herpes infection?

Valavir 500mg Tablet reduces the pain and itching caused due to the herpes infection but does not cure it. It helps to heal the sores and prevents the formation of new ones.

Is Valavir 500mg Tablet an antibiotic or a steroid? What is it used for?

Valavir 500mg Tablet is neither an antibiotic nor a corticosteroid. It is an antiviral medicine and acts against viruses. It is effective against herpes simplex virus (chickenpox, cold sores, and genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (shingles), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Valavir 500mg Tablet prevents the occurrence of CMV infection and disease after organ transplant.

If I have genital herpes, can Valavir 500mg Tablet prevent transmission of infection to others?

Valavir 500mg Tablet reduces the chances of passing the infection to your partner, but the possibility of transmission still exists. You should practice safe sex by using condoms. However, you should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.

Can Valavir 500mg Tablet be given to children for chicken pox?

Yes, Valavir 500mg Tablet can be given for chickenpox to children aged between 2 years to 18 years. Treatment should be started within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash for best results. Valavir 500mg Tablet should be given for 5 days and as directed by the doctor.

Can I take Valavir 500mg Tablet if I have HIV infection?

Taking Valavir 500mg Tablet if you have advanced HIV infection can increase the risk of developing Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP/HUS). In TTP/HUS, small blood clots form suddenly throughout the body, which can lead to death. If you experience bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in urine, fits, and bleeding from the nose or mouth, you should stop Valavir 500mg Tablet and seek emergency medical support and advice.

What if I accidentally take excess of Valavir 500mg Tablet?

You should immediately contact your doctor or go to a nearby hospital. The symptoms which can be seen if Valavir 500mg Tablet is taken in excess include feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, decreased consciousness, and coma.

My age is 70 years and I have some kidney problem, can I take Valavir 500mg Tablet for shingles?

Since you are elderly and have a kidney problem, your doctor will prescribe a low dose of Valavir 500mg Tablet. You must drink plenty of water regularly during the day while taking Valavir 500mg Tablet. This will help to reduce the side effects that can affect the kidney or nervous system. Your doctor will closely monitor you for signs of any side effects which may include feeling confused, agitated or unusually sleepy, or drowsy. If you develop any of these effects contact your doctor immediately.

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Related lab tests

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA PCR

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 DNA PCR

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgG

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

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Safrin S. Antiviral Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 847.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1446-47.
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Valaciclovir. Burgos, Spain: Glaxo Wellcome, S.A.; 2014 [Accessed 19 Jun. 2019] (online) Available from:
Mayo Clinic. Valacyclovir. [Accessed 01 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
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CiplaMed. Valacyclovir Hydrochloride [Prescribing Information]. 2022. [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024] (online) Available from:

Marketer details

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Country of origin: India

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