Feb 16, 2023 · Valtrex is a prescription antiviral medication a person can use to help shorten the duration of cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles flare-ups. It is not a cure for cold sores. Instead,...

Sep 29, 2018 · Valtrex, which contains the active ingredient valacyclovir, can help your cold sores clear up faster. It can also reduce the number of cold sores you get. Read on to learn how Valtrex works and...

Nov 4, 2024 · The recommended dosage of VALTREX for treatment of cold sores is 2 grams twice daily for 1 day taken 12 hours apart. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (e.g., tingling, itching, or burning).

Feb 17, 2025 · Cold sores (herpes labialis): CrCl at least 50 mL/min: No adjustment recommended. CrCl 30 to 49 mL/min: 1 g orally twice a day for 1 day; the 2 doses should be administered 12 hours apart. CrCl 10 to 29 mL/min: 500 mg orally twice a day for 1 day; the 2 doses should be administered 12 hours apart.

Mar 24, 2025 · Valtrex is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults. Valtrex is used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years old, or chickenpox in children who are at least 2 years old.

Aug 16, 2024 · You should take Valtrex as soon as you notice symptoms of a cold sore, such as tingling, itching, or blisters forming on or around the lip area. Taking Valtrex early on in the development of a cold sore allows it to work best. It also lowers the amount of time it takes for a cold sore to heal.

Jun 19, 2024 · If you are prescribed valacyclovir to treat an outbreak of cold sores, genital herpes, shingles, or chickenpox, take it as soon as possible.

Mar 31, 2025 · For children over 12 years old with cold sores, the dose is 2 g every 12 hours for 1 day. Valtrex does not cure cold sores but can help shorten the duration of the blisters during the flare-ups.

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is a prescription medication used to treat shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, and headache. Drug interactions, uses, dosing, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information are provided.

If caught early enough, Valtrex will halt cold sores completely. The main active ingredient is valacyclovir hydrochloride . This ingredient is also used with HIV patients to help prevent outbreaks of Herpes infections.