From the FDA Drug Label
The recommended dosage of VALTREX for treatment of herpes zoster is 1 gram 3 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 rash.
The recommended treatment for Herpes Zoster with Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is 1 gram 3 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 rash 1.
- Key points:
- Dosage: 1 gram 3 times daily
- Duration: 7 days
- Initiation: at the earliest sign or symptom of herpes zoster
- Efficacy: most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of rash
From the Research
For herpes zoster (shingles), the recommended treatment with valacyclovir (Valtrex) is 1.5 g taken orally twice daily for 7 days, as this dosing schedule is as safe and effective as three times daily dosing for the reduction of zoster-associated pain and zoster-associated abnormal sensations, and may help increase patient compliance 2.
Key Considerations
- Treatment should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis, ideally within 72 hours of rash onset for maximum effectiveness.
- Patients should complete the full course even if symptoms improve before completion.
- The medication can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
- Common side effects include headache, nausea, and dizziness.
- Adequate hydration should be maintained while taking valacyclovir.
- Valacyclovir works by converting to acyclovir in the body, which inhibits viral DNA synthesis and replication.
- For patients with renal impairment, dose adjustment is necessary based on creatinine clearance.
- Immunocompromised patients may require a longer treatment duration of 7-10 days, as determined by their healthcare provider.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Valacyclovir has been shown to be more effective than acyclovir in hastening the healing of zoster-associated pain and postherpetic neuralgia 3, 4.
- Valacyclovir is equally effective as famciclovir at hastening the healing of zoster-associated pain and postherpetic neuralgia 4, 5.