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Valacyclovir Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Valacyclovir Remove Valacyclovir from your drug comparison Valtrex Remove Valtrex from your drug comparison Acyclovir Remove Acyclovir from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Valacyclovir Remove Valacyclovir from your drug comparison Valtrex valacyclovir Remove Valtrex from your drug comparison Acyclovir Remove Acyclovir from your drug comparison

Valacyclovir is an antiviral prodrug that is rapidly converted into acyclovir in the body. It should be started at the first sign of genital herpes or cold sore symptoms but is not a cure for these... View more

Prescribed for Cold Sores, Herpes Simplex - Suppression, Herpes Simplex - Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host, Herpes Simplex - Mucocutaneous/Immunocompromised Host, Herpes Zoster, Ramsay Hunt... View more

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that helps treat chickenpox, genital herpes, and shingles infections. It is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Prescribed for Cold Sores,... View more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 423 reviews

View all 265 reviews

View all 166 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

See the full valacyclovir side effects document.

See the full Valtrex side effects document.

See the full acyclovir side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 30 each
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $2.00
Cost* $60.04

View all valacyclovir prices

Quantity 4 tablet
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $12.77
Cost* $51.07

View all Valtrex prices and generic prices

Quantity 4 tablet
Dosage 400 mg
Per Unit* $2.93
Cost* $11.73

View all acyclovir prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet
  • Intravenous powder for injection
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral suspension
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Valtrex

N/A

 Sitavig, Zovirax

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

3.1 hours

3.1 hours

4 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

N/A

N/A

FDA Alerts (1)

Drug Interactions

A total of 60 drugs are known to interact with valacyclovir:

  • 22 major drug interactions (105 brand and generic names)
  • 32 moderate drug interactions (111 brand and generic names)
  • 6 minor drug interactions (17 brand and generic names)

A total of 60 drugs are known to interact with Valtrex:

  • 22 major drug interactions (105 brand and generic names)
  • 32 moderate drug interactions (111 brand and generic names)
  • 6 minor drug interactions (17 brand and generic names)

A total of 56 drugs are known to interact with acyclovir:

  • 23 major drug interactions (107 brand and generic names)
  • 25 moderate drug interactions (89 brand and generic names)
  • 8 minor drug interactions (52 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

June 23, 1995

June 23, 1995

January 25, 1985

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer