Valaciclovir
Valaciclovir is an oral antiviral used to treat or suppress selected herpes-virus infections. It reduces viral replication but does not eradicate latent infection. Listed uses include genital herpes, herpes simplex and herpes zoster.
Key points
- Treatment does not fully prevent herpes transmission, so condition-specific precautions still matter.
- Kidney impairment, dehydration and high exposure increase neurological and kidney toxicity risk.
- Treatment timing and purpose differ between an outbreak, suppression and shingles.
Listings are for comparison only; suitability and supply depend on diagnosis, kidney function, prescription and pharmacy checks.
Important safety checks
Review kidney function, hydration, pregnancy, immune suppression and other medicines affecting the kidneys. New eye symptoms with facial shingles need urgent assessment.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for severe confusion, hallucinations, seizure, very little urine, a blistering rash, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or shingles involving the eye.