Valtrex Dosage

Your Valtrex dosage will depend on several factors, such as other medications you are taking. The recommended dose for shingles is 1000 mg. When treating cold sores, the recommended dosage is 2000 mg. Dosing guidelines for genital herpes will vary, depending on whether it is the first outbreak, a recurrent outbreak, or to prevent future outbreaks. In order for your Valtrex dosage to have the most effect, you should take it as prescribed.

 

Valtrex Dosage: An Overview

The dose of Valtrex® (valacyclovir hydrochloride) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • 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.
 

Valtrex Dosage for Shingles

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

Valtrex Dosage for Cold Sores

For the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis), the dose of Valtrex is 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.
 
Initial Infection
When treating the initial infection of genital herpes, the dose of Valtrex is 1000 mg (1 gram), twice a day, for 10 days.
 
Later Outbreaks
For the treatment of recurring outbreaks, the dose of Valtrex is 500 mg, twice a day, for three days.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;