What it means
A prodrug that the body turns into acyclovir, giving higher blood levels than acyclovir by mouth, so it is taken less often. It shortens outbreaks, can be taken daily to prevent them and lowers the chance of passing genital herpes to a partner. It does not cure the infection. Headache and nausea are the most common effects.
For the nurse
Teach the client to start it at the first sign of an outbreak, to drink plenty of fluids, and that the dose is lowered for kidney disease. Condoms are still needed to reduce the spread of genital herpes.
At a glance
| Drug class | antiviral (nucleoside analog) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Valtrex |
| Also written | Valtrex |
Related terms
sexually transmitted infection
An infection passed from one person to another mainly through sexual contact.
ganciclovir
An antiviral drug, usually given by IV, that treats and prevents cytomegalovirus infection.
famciclovir
An oral antiviral drug for herpes virus infections, including shingles, cold sores and genital herpes.