Valtrex Instructions
Valtrex Instructions
Patients who are considering Valtrex as part of their treatment for herpes or who have recently been prescribed the drug should understand as much as possible about the medication so they can take it safely.
Dosage & Storage
Valtrex comes in two different strengths: the 500 milligram pill and the 1 gram pill. Regardless of the dose prescribed, the medication is best stored at temperatures between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Taking Valtrex Properly
When the doctor prescribes Valtrex, he or she will specify how often the medication should be taken. These instructions will vary depending on the reason the medication is needed. For example, cold sore treatments usually require the patient to take 2 grams of Valtrex twice with about 12 hours between doses. The treatment only lasts for one day.
On the other hand, Valtrex used to treat genital herpes needs to be taken over a longer period. Outbreak treatments require 500 milligrams to be taken two times per day over 72 hours. To suppress outbreaks, one gram doses should be taken daily on an ongoing basis.
Side Effects
The side effects associated with Valtrex occur in only a small number of patients: less than 1 percent. The most common of these side effects include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. More serious side effects reported in laboratory testing include upper respiratory infections, abdominal pain, vomiting, depression, and dysmenorrheal (painful menstruation). Younger patients taking Valtrex for chickenpox or cold sores may suffer from similar side effects, as well as dehydration or diarrhea.



