What would be the benefits of taking valacyclovir vs acyclovir?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 10, 2020.
The patient is 82 years old and has had shingles for three days.

Official Answer
by Drugs.comValacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir (Zovirax) are antiviral drugs that work by interfering with viral DNA replication. Both drugs target the same viruses but valacyclovir provides longer duration of action, therefore, doses can be taken fewer times every day - this is the only real advantage.
For more information read: https://www.drugs.com/compare/valacyclovir-vs-zovirax
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