From the Guidelines
For a cold sore outbreak, the recommended dose of Valtrex (valacyclovir) is 2 grams taken twice daily for one day, with doses separated by about 12 hours, as this treatment has been shown to be effective in shortening the duration and severity of the outbreak 1. This treatment should be started at the earliest sign of a cold sore (such as tingling, itching, or burning) for maximum effectiveness. The medication works by stopping the replication of the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, thereby shortening the duration and severity of the outbreak. For people who experience frequent outbreaks (more than 9 per year), a doctor might prescribe a daily suppressive dose of 500 mg to 1 gram once daily. It's essential to note that the dosage may need to be adjusted for individuals with kidney disease, with a recommended dosage of 500 mg po q24h for those with a creatinine clearance of less than 10 mL/min 1. It's crucial to drink plenty of water while taking Valtrex to maintain proper hydration and kidney function. Common side effects may include headache, nausea, or dizziness. Always complete the full course of medication even if symptoms improve before it's finished. In cases where kidney function is a concern, the dosage should be adjusted according to the guidelines provided in the evidence 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The recommended dosage of VALTREX for treatment of cold sores is 2 grams twice daily for 1 day taken 12 hours apart. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (e.g., tingling, itching, or burning). The recommended dosage of VALTREX for the treatment of cold sores in pediatric patients aged greater than or equal to 12 years is 2 grams twice daily for 1 day taken 12 hours apart.
The recommended dose of Valtrex (valacyclovir) for a cold sore outbreak is 2 grams twice daily for 1 day, taken 12 hours apart. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest symptom of a cold sore. This dosage is applicable for both adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older 2.
From the Research
Valtrex Dose for Cold Sore Outbreak
The recommended dose of Valtrex (valacyclovir) for a cold sore outbreak is as follows:
- 2 g of valacyclovir twice daily for 1 day, which has been shown to reduce the median duration of the episode by 1.0 day compared to placebo 3
- Alternatively, a 2-day treatment regimen of 2 g of valacyclovir twice daily for 1 day, followed by 1 g of valacyclovir twice daily for 1 day, can also be effective in reducing the duration of the episode 3
Key Findings
Some key findings from the studies include:
- Valacyclovir has been shown to be effective in reducing the duration of cold sore episodes, with a 1-day treatment regimen being a convenient and effective option 3
- The bioavailability of acyclovir from oral valacyclovir is considerably greater than that achieved after oral aciclovir administration, allowing for less frequent dosing 4
- Valacyclovir is well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of acyclovir and placebo 4, 5
Additional Information
It's worth noting that valacyclovir is also effective in the treatment of other viral infections, including genital herpes and herpes zoster 6, 7