Antimicrobials
Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir

None
Excellent

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

  • Therapy for herpes viral infections (HSV and VZV) including encephalitis. Not for CMV (cytomegalovirus)
  • Prophylaxis of herpes viral infections if recurrent disease or immunocompromised
  • Mycophenolate can increase valacyclovir/acyclovir concentration
  • May diminish efficacy of zoster or varicella vaccine

Follow serum creatinine

  • GI upset
  • Headache
  • Increased ALT/AST
  • Nasopharyngitis

Antimicrobial class: Antiviral. Nucleoside analogue

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 3 hours (active metabolite acyclovir)

CSF penetration: None