Valtrex
Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral prescription medication. It is a prodrug that is rapidly converted to acyclovir in the body, where it works by stopping the replication of viral DNA, reducing the severity and duration of herpes virus outbreaks.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adult doses typically range from 500 mg to 2,000 mg taken 1 to 3 times daily depending on the infection. Pediatric dosing for chickenpox is calculated at 20 mg/kg body weight per dose, taken 3 times daily for 5 days (maximum 1,000 mg per dose). Renal adjustment is required for patients with kidney impairment.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy are not established in pediatric patients under 2 years of age for chickenpox.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg - 140 mg
- Frequency
- 3 times daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at 20 mg/kg per dose for chickenpox in patients 2 years of age and older. Extemporaneous oral suspension formulation may be required.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 160 mg - 200 mg
- Frequency
- 3 times daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at 20 mg/kg per dose for chickenpox in patients 2 years of age and older.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 220 mg - 300 mg
- Frequency
- 3 times daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at 20 mg/kg per dose for chickenpox in patients 2 years of age and older.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 320 mg - 400 mg
- Frequency
- 3 times daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated at 20 mg/kg per dose for chickenpox in patients 2 years of age and older.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy are not established in pediatric patients under 2 years of age for chickenpox. |
| 5-7 kg | 100 mg - 140 mg | 3 times daily for 5 days | Calculated at 20 mg/kg per dose for chickenpox in patients 2 years of age and older. Extemporaneous oral suspension formulation may be required. |
| 8-10 kg | 160 mg - 200 mg | 3 times daily for 5 days | Calculated at 20 mg/kg per dose for chickenpox in patients 2 years of age and older. |
| 11-15 kg | 220 mg - 300 mg | 3 times daily for 5 days | Calculated at 20 mg/kg per dose for chickenpox in patients 2 years of age and older. |
| 16-20 kg | 320 mg - 400 mg | 3 times daily for 5 days | Calculated at 20 mg/kg per dose for chickenpox in patients 2 years of age and older. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores (herpes labialis), chickenpox (varicella), and treatment, prevention, or suppression of genital herpes outbreaks.
Generic Name
ValacyclovirScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.