Valcivir (Valacyclovir Tablets)

Valacyclovir Tablets

Clearsky Pharmacy

Valcivir Tablets (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Tablets) is an antiviral drug used in the management of herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles), and herpes B. Valacyclovir tablets is also used for the prevention (suppression) of recurrent herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes, including genital herpes in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. It is also used for prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease, following organ transplantation.

Valcivir Tablets

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Valcivir Tablets are manufactured by Cipla Ltd., India (Website: www.cipla.com)

Valacyclovir HydrochlorideTablets Brand Names

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Valacyclovir Hydrochloride tablets are available as Valtrex,Valcivir, Valamac and Valavir.

Active Ingredient

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The active ingredient contained in Valcivir is Valacyclovir Hydrochloride. Each film-coated Valcivir tablet contains Valacyclovir Hydrochloride equivalent to 500 mg or 100 mg of Valacyclovir respectively.

Chemical Structure

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The structure of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride is given below:

Uses of Valaciclovir Tablets

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Valaciclovir tablets are used for the treatment of HSV and VZV infections, that include Oral and genital herpes simplex (treatment and prophylaxis), reduction of HSV transmission from people with recurrent infection to uninfected individuals, Herpes zoster (shingles),prevention of cytomegalovirus following organ transplantation and prophylaxis against herpesviruses in immunocompromised patients (such as patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy).

Storage Instructions

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Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Tablets) have to be stored at controlled room temperature i.e. from 20C to 25C (68F to 77F) with excursions permitted between 15 to 30C (59 to 86F). Keep this as well as all other medicines away from children and pets.

Valacyclovir Warnings

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Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS) has occurred in patients with advanced HIV disease and in allogenic bone marrow transplant and renal transplant patients receiving 8 grams per day of Valacyclovir tablets in clinical trials.Acute renal failure may occur in elderly patients, patients with underlying renal disease who receive higher than recommended doses of Valacyclovir tablets for their level of renal function, patients who receive concomitant nephrotoxic drugs, or inadequately hydrated patients.

Valacyclovir Warnings

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Central nervous system adverse reactions (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, confusion, and encephalopathy) can occur in elderly patients (with or without reduced renal function) and in patients with underlying renal disease who receive higher than recommended doses of Valcivir tablets for their level of renal function. Use Valacyclovir tablets with caution in elderly patients and reduce dosage in patients with renal impairment.

Valcivir Dosage

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Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis): The recommended dosage of Valacyclovir for the treatment of cold sores is 2 gm twice daily for 1 day, taken about 12 hours apart. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (e.g. tingling, itching, or burning).

Initial Episodes of Genital Herpes: The recommended dosage of Valacyclovir for treatment of initial genital herpes is 1 gm twice daily for 10 days. Therapy was most effective when administered within 48 hours of the onset of signs and symptoms.

The dosage of Valcivir tablets (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) is given below:

Valcivir Dosage

Clearsky Pharmacy

Suppressive Therapy for Genital Herpes: The recommended dosage of Valcivir tablets for chronic suppressive therapy of recurrent genital herpes is 1 gm once daily in patients with normal immune function.

Reduction of Transmission of Genital Herpes: The recommended dosage of Valacyclovir for reduction of the transmission of genital herpes in patients with a history of nine or fewer recurrences per year is 500 mg once daily for the source partner.

Herpes Zoster: The recommended dosage of Valacyclovir tablets for the treatment of herpes zoster is 1 gm orally, three times daily for 7 days. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of herpes zoster and is most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of the herpes zoster rash.

The dosage of Valcivir tablets (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) is given below:

Valcivir Tablets

Clearsky Pharmacy

Contraindications

Valcivir tablets are contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to Valacyclovir Hydrochloride or any other component of this medication.

Valacyclovir Side Effects

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The most common side effects reported in at least one indication by greater than 10% of adult patients treated with Valacyclovir tablets and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo are headache, nausea, and abdominal pain.

The only side effect occurring in more than 10% of pediatric patients less than 18 years of age treated with Valacyclovir tablets was headache.

Valacyclovir Overdose

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Acute renal failure and neurological symptoms, including confusion, hallucinations, agitation, decreased consciousness and coma, have been observed in patients receiving overdoses of Valacyclovir tablets. Nausea and vomiting can also occur. Caution is required to prevent inadvertent overdose. Many of the reported cases involved renally impaired and geriatric patients receiving repeated overdoses, due to lack of proper dosage reduction.

Valacyclovir Overdose

Clearsky Pharmacy

Activated charcoal may be administered to aid in the removal of unabsorbed Valacyclovir HCl. General supportive measures are recommended.Patients must be observed closely for signs of toxicity. Hemodialysis significantly enhances the removal of Acyclovir from the blood and may, therefore be considered a management option in the event of symptomatic overdose.

Valacyclovir During Pregnancy

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Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Tablets) has been classified by the US FDA as Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Valacyclovir tablets or Acyclovir in pregnant women. Based on pregnancy registry data the overall rate of birth defects in infants exposed to acyclovir in-utero appears similar to the rate for infants in the general population. Valcivir tablets must be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Valcivir Tablets

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Clearsky Pharmacy

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride tablets) by Cipla Limited, India.