Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Billings Clinic

Valacyclovir

C. diff Risk

None

Oral Bioavailability

Moderate

Approximate Cost

$<1-2/day

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

Renal

Adult

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

Therapy for herpes viral infections (HSV) and varicella-zoster infections (VZV)

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

  •  GI upset

  •  Phlebitis

  •  Increased SCr

Major Interactions

Major Interactions

May diminish the efficacy of zoster live or varicella vaccine

Additional Information

Additional Information

More convenient dosing than oral acyclovir

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: Antiviral, nucleoside analogue

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 3 hours

Comments: Prodrug of acyclovir. Rapidly converted from valacyclovir to acyclovir