descriptionsValacyclovir is an oral antiviral drug which is active against the Herpes viruses. It is used to treat infections with herpes zoster shingles herpes simplex genitalis genital herpes and herpes labialis cold sores. Valacyclovir inhibits the replication of viral DNA which is necessary for viruses to reproduce themselves. Valacyclovir is actually a prodrug in that it is not active itself. Rather it is converted to acyclovir in the body and it is the acyclovir that is active against the viruses. Acyclovir itself is available as a topical oral and intravenous medication. Valacyclovir therefore is active against the same viruses as acyclovir but valacyclovir has a longer duration of action than acyclovir and therefore can be taken fewer times each day. Valacyclovir was approved for use by the FDA in 1995.
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