From the Guidelines
For the treatment of cold sores, the recommended dose of valacyclovir (Valtrex) is 2 grams taken twice daily for one day, with the doses separated by about 12 hours, as this regimen is not explicitly mentioned in the provided evidence, but is a common recommendation in clinical practice. When considering the provided evidence, the closest relevant dosing information for valacyclovir is found in the study 1, which recommends Valacyclovir 500 mg orally twice a day for 5 days, but this is not specifically for cold sores. However, another study 1 suggests Valacyclovir 1 g orally twice a day for 7-10 days, which is also not specifically tailored for cold sores but indicates a range of dosing that could be considered for herpes simplex virus infections. Given the context of the question and prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, the most effective and commonly recommended dose for cold sores, as per general medical knowledge and not directly stated in the provided evidence, is 2 grams of valacyclovir taken twice daily for one day. It's crucial to start this treatment at the earliest sign of a cold sore to maximize its effectiveness. Additionally, individuals with frequent cold sores may benefit from suppressive therapy, and those with kidney disease may require dosage adjustments, as indicated by general medical principles rather than the specific studies cited 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 dose of valtrax (valacyclovir) for cold sores is 2 grams twice daily for 1 day, taken 12 hours apart. This dosage is recommended for both adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older 2.
From the Research
Dosage Information
- The dosage of valacyclovir (Valtrex) for cold sores (herpes labialis) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the studies discuss the efficacy of valacyclovir in treating herpes labialis 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Treatment Options
- Valacyclovir is an oral antiviral agent approved for the treatment of herpes labialis, and it is more effective than acyclovir and equally effective as famciclovir in hastening the healing of zoster-associated pain and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) 3.
- For episodic treatment, oral antiviral agents such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are superior to topical antiviral therapy, and valacyclovir and famciclovir have greater oral bioavailability and are better absorbed than acyclovir 5.
- Chronic suppressive therapy with oral antiviral agents, including valacyclovir, should be considered for patients with severe or frequent recurrences of herpes labialis 5, 6.
Efficacy
- Treatment with oral antivirals, including valacyclovir, decreases the duration of lesion episodes and pain by approximately one day, but does not abort lesions from developing 7.
- Valacyclovir is safe and effective in the therapy of patients with herpes simplex and herpes zoster, and may be useful in other viral infections 3, 4.