An oral medication used to treat shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes.
Valacyclovir tablets are a deoxynucleoside analogue DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for: Adult Patients ( 1.1 ) Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) Genital Herpes Treatment in immunocompetent patients (initial or recurrent episode) Suppression in immunocompetent or HIV-1–infected patients Reduction of transmission Herpes Zoster Pediatric Patients ( 1.2 ) Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) Chickenpox Limitations of Use ( 1.3 ) The efficacy and safety of valacyclovir tablets have not been established in immunocompromised patients other than for the suppression of genital herpes in HIV-1–infected patients. 1.1 Adult Patients Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) Valacyclovir tablets are indicated for treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis). The efficacy of valacyclovir tablets initiated after the development of clinical signs of a cold sore (e.g., papule, vesicle, or ulcer) has not been established. Genita…
12.1 Mechanism of Action Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug active against α-herpes viruses [see Microbiology (12.4) ].
Sources: drug label, approval and manufacturer data from the U.S. FDA via the openFDA API; shortage status from the FDA Drug Shortage Database. This page is a plain-English summary for general information and is not medical advice. It is not exhaustive and may not reflect the latest label — always consult the official prescribing information and your clinician or pharmacist. Brand availability, indications and approvals differ between the US, EU/Ireland (EMA/HPRA) and other regions.