Valtrex Dosage

Your Valtrex dosage will depend on several factors, such as your age and other medications you are taking. The recommended dose for shingles is 1000 mg, taken three times (for seven days). When treating cold sores, the recommended dosage is 2000 mg, twice a day (for one day). Dosing guidelines for genital herpes will vary. In order for your dosage to have the most effect, it's important to take it as prescribed.

 

An Overview of Valtrex Dosages

The dose of Valtrex® (valacyclovir hydrochloride) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
 
  • Your age
  • Your weight (for children)
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Dose of Valtrex for Shingles

For the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster) in adults, the recommended dose is Valtrex 1000 mg (1 gram) taken by mouth three times a day for seven days.
 

Valtrex Dosage for Cold Sores

For the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis) in adults and children age 12 and older, the recommended dose is Valtrex 2000 mg (2 grams), twice a day, for one day. The two doses should be taken about 12 hours apart.
 

Valtrex Dosage for Genital Herpes

The following sections explain Valtrex dosing for genital herpes in adults.
 
Initial Infection
When treating the initial infection of genital herpes, the recommended dose is Valtrex 1000 mg (1 gram), taken twice a day for ten days.
(Valtrex Dosage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;