Valtrex Dosage

Each patient is given a unique Valtrex (valcyclovir) dosage based on several factors that include your age, your weight (especially children), the medical condition being treated, other medications you currently take, and overall health history.

Below is the usual Valtrex dosage for specific health conditions. It is possible for you to get a totally different dosage. As with any other medication, do not adjust your dose unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

Valtrex Dosage For Adults

Treatment of Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis)

• The recommended daily dose of Valtrex is 2 grams taken two times a day, 12 hours apart. Treatment should be started at onset of cold sore symptoms, such as itching, tingling, or burning sensations.

Treatment of Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex)

The dosage of Valtrex for treatment of genital herpes may vary depending on the disease state.

• At initial episode, the recommended daily dose of Valtrex is 1 gram taken two times a day for 10 days. Therapy should be started within 48 hours after of the earliest signs and symptoms.
• For recurrent episodes of genital herpes, the recommended daily dose is 500 mg taken two times a day for 3 days. Therapy should be started at the onset of signs and symptoms.
• For chronic suppressive therapy of recurrent genital herpes, the recommended daily dose is 1 gram taken once a day. Patients who have history of less than 9 recurrences per year may be given an alternative dose of 500 mg once a day. Patients infected with HIV and have poor immune system may be prescribed Valtrex 500 mg twice a day.
• To reduce the transmission of genital herpes for patients with history of less than 9 recurrences per year, the recommended dose is 500 mg once a day for the infected individual. Safer sexual practices should always be observed. Use of condom or abstaining from sex can help prevent spread of viral infection.

Treatment of Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

• The recommended daily dose of Valtrex is 1 gram taken 3 times a day for 1 week. Treatment should be initiated at first sign or symptom of shingles or within 48 hours of appearance of rash.

Valtrex Dosage For Children

Treatment of Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis)

• For children older than 12 years of age, the recommended dose of Valtrex is 2 grams taken two times a day for one day 12 hours apart. Treatment should be started at onset of cold sore symptoms, such as itching, tingling, or burning sensations.

Treatment of Chickepox

• For children between ages 2 to 18, the recommended daily dose of Valtrex is 20 mg/kg taken 3 times a day for 5 days. The maximum daily dose is 1 gram. Treatment should be started at the earliest sign or symptom of chickenpox.