Valcivir 500 mg Tablet

Valcivir 500 mg Tablet is an antiviral medicine that contains 500 mg of valacyclovir in each tablet. It belongs to the herpes antiviral class and is used to help treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Valcivir 500 mg Tablet may be prescribed for cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles, and it may also be used to help prevent repeat outbreaks in some patients. This Cipla tablet is taken by mouth and is a prescription-only medicine.

How it works: Valacyclovir in Valcivir 500 mg Tablet is converted in the body to acyclovir, which blocks a herpes virus enzyme needed to make new virus DNA. By slowing viral replication, this tablet can help the infection heal and may reduce the length and severity of outbreaks when taken as prescribed.

Valcivir 500 mg Tablet is a mid-strength valacyclovir tablet, and it is often chosen when a doctor wants a tablet that can be used in regimen-specific doses without using the higher 1000 mg strength. It may suit patients who need a smaller single-tablet dose than Valcivir 1000 mg Tablet, while still providing the same active ingredient. The best strength and schedule depend on the infection being treated and the patient’s kidney function.

• Cold sores (herpes labialis)
• Genital herpes outbreaks
• Shingles (herpes zoster)
• Suppressive treatment for recurrent genital herpes
• Help reduce transmission risk in some patients, when prescribed

• Swallow Valcivir 500 mg Tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it unless your pharmacist or doctor specifically tells you to.
• Take it exactly at the times your prescriber gives you, because timing matters for antiviral treatment.
• It can usually be taken with or without food; taking it with food may help if it upsets your stomach.
• Start it as soon as possible after symptoms begin or after exposure, because antivirals work best when started early.
• Drink enough fluids while taking Valcivir 500 mg Tablet, especially if you are older or have kidney issues.
• Do not share this tablet with anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar.

Each Valcivir 500 mg Tablet provides 500 mg of valacyclovir per tablet. The number of tablets per dose and how often you take them can vary by condition; for example, some regimens use one tablet, while others use more tablets at different intervals. The maximum daily amount depends on the reason for use and your kidney function, so your doctor decides the exact schedule and total daily dose.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Valacyclovir may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness

• Use extra caution if you have kidney disease, because valacyclovir doses may need adjustment.
• Tell your doctor if you are older or dehydrated, since higher blood levels can raise the risk of side effects.
• This 500 mg tablet is a prescription antiviral, not a pain reliever, and it does not cure herpes infections.
• Avoid alcohol if it worsens dizziness, nausea, or dehydration while you are taking Valcivir 500 mg Tablet.
• Tell your clinician about any history of kidney transplant, immune system problems, or nervous system symptoms.
• Do not drive or operate machinery if Valcivir 500 mg Tablet makes you dizzy, sleepy, or confused.
• Get medical advice before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, so the benefits and risks can be reviewed.

• Probenecid
• Cimetidine
• Other medicines that can affect the kidneys, such as NSAIDs or certain antibiotics
• Mycophenolate
• Other antivirals, depending on your treatment plan

Store Valcivir 500 mg Tablet at room temperature in the original strip or box, away from moisture and heat.