From the Research
Valtrex 500mg twice daily for 3 days is an effective treatment for cold sore outbreaks, significantly reducing the duration and severity of symptoms when started at the first sign of an outbreak. This dosing regimen is a standard approach for treating herpes labialis (cold sores) and works by converting to acyclovir in the body, which inhibits viral DNA replication and prevents the herpes simplex virus from multiplying 1. For best results, treatment should begin during the prodromal phase (when you feel tingling, burning, or itching before the sore appears) or within 24 hours of blister formation.
Some key points to consider when using valacyclovir for cold sore treatment include:
- Side effects are generally mild but may include headache, nausea, or dizziness 2
- People with kidney disease may need dose adjustments 3
- While this treatment helps manage outbreaks, it doesn't cure the underlying herpes infection, which remains dormant in nerve cells between episodes 4
- For frequent outbreaks (more than 6 per year), daily suppressive therapy might be recommended instead of episodic treatment 5
It's also important to note that valacyclovir has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of genital herpes outbreaks in immunocompetent and nonpregnant patients, and has been compared to other antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and famciclovir in terms of efficacy and safety 5. However, the most recent and highest quality study on the topic of cold sore treatment is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, but based on the available information, valacyclovir 500mg twice daily for 3 days remains a recommended treatment option 1.