Valacyclovir Alternatives Compared
| Valacyclovir | Valtrex | Acyclovir |
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| Valacyclovir | Valtrex valacyclovir | Acyclovir |
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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 treats infections caused by HSV-1, HSV-2, and varicella-zoster viruses such as chickenpox, genital herpes, and shingles. It is most effective when started within... View more |
Choose a suggestion below Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Labialis)
Herpes Simplex, Suppression
Herpes Zoster
Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host
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| More about Valacyclovir | More about Valtrex (valacyclovir) | More about Acyclovir | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Generic Status | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Availability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Prescription only |
Prescription only |
Prescription only |
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| Ratings & Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Valacyclovir has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 458 ratings on Drugs.com. 81% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 12% reported a negative effect. |
Valtrex has an average rating of 8.7 out of 10 from a total of 282 ratings on Drugs.com. 84% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 9% reported a negative effect. |
Acyclovir has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 174 ratings on Drugs.com. 77% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 11% reported a negative effect. |
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| Drug Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Side Effects | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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See the full valacyclovir side effects document. |
See the full Valtrex side effects document. |
See the full acyclovir side effects document. |
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| Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
View all valacyclovir prices |
View all Valtrex prices and generic prices |
View all acyclovir prices |
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| Dosage Form(s) Available | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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3.1 hours |
3.1 hours |
4 hours |
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| CSA Schedule** View glossary of terms | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
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| Pregnancy Category | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Category B
No proven risk in humans
See the full Pregnancy Warnings document. |
Category B
No proven risk in humans
See the full Pregnancy Warnings document. |
Category B
No proven risk in humans
See the full Pregnancy Warnings document. |
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| Drug Interactions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A total of 62 drugs are known to interact with valacyclovir:
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A total of 62 drugs are known to interact with Valtrex:
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A total of 62 drugs are known to interact with acyclovir:
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| Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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. |
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| Disease Interactions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Approval Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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June 23, 1995 |
June 23, 1995 |
January 25, 1985 |
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| WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
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| More Information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Patient resources | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Professional Resources | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Related Treatment Guide | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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** 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.