VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET contains Valaciclovir, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antivirals. It is used in the treatment of shingles. It is also used to treat infections of the skin and mucous membranes (including the genital area) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is also used to prevent cytomegalovirus infection and disease following organ transplantation.
Shingles are a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus that is generally characterised by symptoms such as a red rash, pain, burning or tingling sensations, itching and/or fluid-filled blisters in affected individuals.
Herpes simplex is a viral infection generally characterised by symptoms such as cold sores (around the lips, mouth and tongue), tingling, itching or burning sensations and/or pain while urinating. Cytomegalovirus infection is a type of viral infection that causes sores and chicken pox similar to the herpes virus in infected individuals, affecting people of all ages.
VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients who are allergic to valaciclovir and/or acyclovir. Before taking VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have anaemia or other blood disorders, HIV infection, have undergone organ transplantation, have kidney disease or have liver disease.
VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET should only be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women if necessary. VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET is not recommended for use in infants (aged below 3 months). The most common side effects of taking VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET are headache, nausea and/or gastrointestinal disturbances (such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and bloating). Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms worsen.
VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET works by stopping the multiplication of the causative virus which also reduces the length and severity of the infection thus treating the disease and preventing the occurrence of symptoms associated with the disease in affected individuals.
Take VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET unless your doctor advises you to stop.
Stop taking VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
Headache:
Drink an ample amount of water. Get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress-free. Ask your doctor before taking any medicine for headaches.
Nausea:
Take VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods.
Dizziness:
Lie down until the dizziness is gone, then get up slowly. Move slowly and carefully, do not hurry. Get adequate rest. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Avoid coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET should be used with caution during pregnancy and in women planning for pregnancy only if it is necessary. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women only if it is necessary. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Do not drive or operate any machines which take VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET since it may cause dizziness, headache, confusion, hallucinations and/or decreased consciousness.
VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with kidney disease. Consult your doctor before taking it.
VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Do not take VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET if you are allergic to Valaciclovir, acyclovir and/or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Before taking VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
Use in Paediatrics:
VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET is not recommended for use in infants (aged below 3 months). It should be used with caution in children and adolescents (aged 3 months to 18 years). Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Use in Geriatrics:
VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 65 years). Consult your doctor before taking it.
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose include confusion, hallucinations, agitation, reduced consciousness, nausea, vomiting and/or kidney failure.
Drug | : | Valacyclovir |
Pharmacological Category | : | Nucleoside analogue |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Shingles, Herpes, Cytomegalovirus infection |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
What is the function of VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET?
VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET is used to treat shingles (a viral infection), which is also used to treat skin and mucous membrane infections (including genital infections) caused by the herpes simplex virus. The medicine is also indicated for use to prevent cytomegalovirus infection and disease in patients who have undergone organ transplantation procedures.
Can I stop taking VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET?
Do not stop taking VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET without consulting your doctor, as your condition may get worse or you may have unwanted side effects. Your doctor may reduce the dose before discontinuing the medicine. If you have any more doubts regarding the use of this medicine, ask your doctor.
How do I take VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET?
Take VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will determine the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.
What happens if you take more VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET than your required dose?
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, hallucinations, agitation, reduced consciousness, nausea, vomiting and/or kidney failure.
What if I forget to take a dose of VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET?
If you forget to take a dose of VALTOVAL 500MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, omit the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take the medicine twice to make up for a missed dose.
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Written By Dr. Dhivakaran R, BDS
Last updated on 28 Nov 2022 | 04:15 PM(IST)
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