What Is Valtrex?

If you or someone you love has recently been given a prescription for Valtrex, you may be asking yourself, “What is Valtrex?” The answer to this question is simple. Valtrex is an antiviral drug that is prescribed to treat certain types of viruses and outbreaks caused by viral infections. The most known of these viral outbreaks is called herpes, but there are many more uses for Valtrex and things that you should know.

Viral infections. Valtrex is used to treat the symptoms of a variety of viral infections, including shingles, cold sores, chicken pox and herpes. Outbreaks for these conditions involve sores, blisters and rashes on the infected area. Valtrex helps to prevent outbreaks and diminish these symptoms.

For children. Valtrex is often prescribed to children to treat common childhood viruses, including chicken pox and shingles. Children are at a greater risk than adults of scarring and spreading of the viral infection due to an inability to control itching and a weaker immune system. Valtrex helps relieve itching and skin irritation so the sores and blisters can heal.

For adults. Many adults receive a prescription of Valtrex to treat or prevent a herpes outbreak. However, adults can also have a recurrence of the childhood viral infection known as shingles, or it can be used to treat the symptoms of a cold sore or adult chicken pox, which can be serious. Valtrex does not sure these infections in adults. It only prevents and helps to manage the symptoms.

Side effects. Valtrex, like most prescription medications, can cause side effects in both children and adults. These side effects range from very serious, such as kidney failure, seizures and coma, to mild, such as headache, stomach pain and slight dizziness. Some other possible side effects include depression, vomiting, hallucination, shaky movements, aggressive behavior and trouble speaking properly. If you experience a rash as a result of taking Valtrex, severe itching, confusion, a fever, blood in your urine or a yellowing of your eyes or skin, contact your health care provider immediately.

Proper use. Take the Valtrex pill by mouth approximately three times a day or as directed by your health care provider. Do not take more than one pill during an eight hour span.