Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for UCLA Health

Valacyclovir

C. diff Risk

None

Oral Bioavailability

Excellent

Approximate Cost

$

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

Adult

1g PO q8-12h (Indication specific)

Renal - Adult

Hepatic - Adult

No adjustment needed

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

Treatment and prophylaxis of HSV-1 and HSV-2, VZV

Drug Monitoring

Drug Monitoring

Laboratory

  • BMP and CBC periodically

Clinical

  • Signs and symptoms of overdose: nausea, vomiting/lethergy, abdominal pain, tremor (other CNS toxicity)

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

Generally very well tolerated

Rare

  •  Nausea/vomiting, rash

  •  CNS (agitation, diziness, confusion, seizure)

  •  Transaminase elevation

  • Anemia

  •  Neutropenia

  •  Hypotension

Additional Information

Additional Information

Pro-drug of acyclovir with improved absorption and more convenient dosing compared to oral acyclovir.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: Antiviral - Synthetic Guanine Analog

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 3 hours

Biliary penetration: Moderate

CSF penetration: High

Lung penetration: High

Urine penetration: High