Bioavailability

VALTREX has higher bioavailability for convenient dosing.*1,2

Valacyclovir HCl 500-1000 mg yields 3- to 5-fold higher acyclovir bioavailability than high-dose (800 mg) oral acyclovir.


The specific relationship between systemic acyclovir exposure levels and antiviral effect has not been established.

*In immunocompetent adults.

 

 

 

 

  1. Weller S, Blum MR, Doucette M, et al. Pharmacokinetics of the acyclovir pro-drug valaciclovir after escalating single- and multiple-dose
    administration to normal volunteers. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1993;54:595-605.
  2. Beutner KR, Friedman DJ, Forszpaniak C, Andersen PL, Wood MJ. Valaciclovir compared with acyclovir for improved therapy for herpes zoster in
    immunocompetent adults. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1995;39:1546-1553.