Valacyclovir

Category: pharmacological

Aliases: Valtrex

Pharmacological Mechanism

L-valyl ester prodrug of acyclovir — first-pass valine hydrolysis improves oral F from ~15% (acyclovir) to ~55% (valacyclovir). Same downstream antiviral mechanism. Once-daily HSV suppression dosing supported by improved exposure.

Half-Life (t½)

PO: 3h

Dosing Guidelines

• PO: Typical 1000mg (Range: 500 - 2000 mg)

Target Organ Systems

• digestive
• immune-hematologic