Valtrex for Shingles (Cont.)

Valtrex for Shingles: How Does It Work?

Valtrex is an antiviral medication that helps the body fight the infection. It does this by preventing the virus from multiplying.
 
In one study looking at Valtrex for shingles, people younger than 50 years old with shingles were treated with the drug within three days of the beginning of a rash. In people who were not treated with Valtrex, it took three days for the formation of new blisters to stop. For the people who were treated with Valtrex, the blisters stopped forming one day sooner.
 

Valtrex for Shingles: Dosing Information

The dose of Valtrex your healthcare provider recommends to treat shingles will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have (such as kidney disease or kidney failure)
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
However, for most people receiving Valtrex for the treatment of shingles, the dose is Valtrex 1000 mg (1 gram) by mouth, three times a day, for seven days.
 
As is always the case, do not adjust your Valtrex dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;