Valtrex: An Antiviral Drug
Valtrex is usually used in the treatment of infections in both adults and children. It mainly aims to prevent the reoccurrence of future episodes from viral infections. You cannot use Valtrex as a cure for these infections, as these viruses continue to inhabit the host`s body in between the outbreaks. Valtrex is mainly used to reduce the length of time of these outbreaks as well as the severity of each of these outbreaks. Valtrex is mainly used in treated herpes virus related infections in children and adults. Valtrex may be used as a treatment of chickenpox, caused by a virus known as varicella zoster, in children over the age of two and as a treatment of cold sores which are cause by herpes simplex in children over the age of twelve years.
How Valtrex Works: Valtrex uses an active ingredient that is broken down in the body to form another compound that prevents the herpes virus from reproducing. This will thereby prevent the infection of more cells of the body. This active compound works by moving into cells that have been infected with the herpes virus and block the action of a chemical called DNA polymerase. This is an enzyme that is used by the herpes virus to change its genetic coding from what is known as RNA to DNA. This limits the viruse`s ability to change the DNA structure of any other of the body`s cell limiting its ability to multiply. Valtrex is used in those who have had a kidney transplant. This is because when you have a transplant done you are usually given drugs that weaken your immune system to prevent your body from attacking the newly transplanted organ. This will make you susceptible to attacks from a virus known as cytomegalovirus or CMV.
Valtrex Dosage: You should take Valtrex as recommended by your doctor. Valtrex can be taken with or without food and you need to take it with a full glass of water. Shake the suspension well before you measure it.
Precautions Before Taking Valtrex: You should not take Valtrex if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the drug. It has yet to be shown that Valtrex has any effect on an unborn child. But it should be used with caution. You should also prevent herpes lesions from occurring during the duration of your pregnancy as this can be passed onto an unborn child. Valtrex has also been shown to pass through breast milk and it can harm an unborn child. You should seek the guidance of your doctor if you are breastfeeding before you take Valtrex. You should not give Valtrex to an infant unless it is under the advisement of the doctor. You should inform your doctor if you have any kidney and/or liver conditions or if you have HIV/AIDS or any condition that will weaken the immune system such as a bone marrow transplant. You are advised not to operate any heavy machinery or drive when you are on the drug. Valtrex is known to impair your judgment. You are also advised to keep practicing safe sex even when you are using Valtrex or avoid skin contact as Valtrex does not stop the spread of any of these infections.
Side Effects Of Valtrex: Some side effects may include unexplainable swelling, hives, rashes or some difficulty in breathing when you are taking Valtrex which may be an indication that you are allergic to some of the ingredients in the drug. You may get to experience side effects such as a new fever, yellowing of the skin, lesser urine or no urine at all, easy bruising and bleeding, seizure, changes in your vision or a change in the heartbeat. This are usually an indication of a weakened immune system most probably due a preexisting condition and you need to see your doctor. Some serious side effects of taking Valtrex that will require your doctor`s immediate attention are any changes in your moods, hallucinations, speech problems and or pain in your lower back.
