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Valaciclovir

is marketed under the trade name Valtrex  or Zelitrex. It is an antiviral drug used in the management of herpes simplex and herpes zoster (shingles). It is a prodrug, being converted in vivo to aciclovir. Aciclovir, the active metabolite of valaciclovir, is active against most species in the herpesvirus family. In descending order of activity: 

• Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1)

• Herpes simplex virus type II (HSV-2)

• Varicella zoster virus (VZV)

• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Activity is predominantly active against HSV, and to a lesser extent VZV. It is only of limited efficacy against EBV and CMV.

Common adverse drug reactions associated with valaciclovir therapy are the same as for aciclovir, its active metabolite, and include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. Infrequent adverse effects include: agitation, vertigo, confusion, dizziness, edema, arthralgia, sore throat, constipation, abdominal pain, rash, weakness and/or renal impairment. Rare adverse effects include: coma, seizures, neutropenia, leukopenia, tremor, ataxia, encephalopathy, psychotic symptoms, anorexia, fatigue, and hepatitis