Are Augmentin And Valacyclovir The Right Medicines For Genital Herpes?

Posted on Sat, 15 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 15 Nov 2014 Answered on

Tue, 9 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I went to see a doctor today for a sore on my gluteal cleft, she prescribed aumentin and valacyclovir. Is that the treatment for genital herpes?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Augmentin for bacterial, Valacyclovir for herpes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Your doctor might have prescribed Augmentin (antibiotic) and Valacyclovir (antiviral) medications.

1. Augmentin is an antibiotic preparation and belongs to class penicillins.
Augmentin contains a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium and is used in treatment of wide range of bacterial infections including those involving skin as in your case. Should you have any penicillin allergy then please inform your doctors.

2. Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug and is used to treat genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.
Valacyclovir treats the symptoms of herpes but will not cure the infection. Patients with herpes infection showing active disease symptoms get relief after taking valacyclovir.

Probably your doctor feels it can be either of two conditions and has offered you the medications after clinical examination.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (20 hours later)

I have never been told that I have herpes, in fact the doctor called it cellulitis. I have been on the medicine for over 24 hours and do not feel any better. I am also a diabetic and have been dealing with higher blood glucose readings since this started. Should I seek other medical attention?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please watch 3 to 5 days for response.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

Cellulitis is a moderate to severe infection under the skin. Augmentin should work if taken for about a week. Having diabetes can delay the recovery and healing. Increased blood glucose levels causes slow response to treatment. As herpes is common in all age groups and with diabetes, your doctor has given valacyclovir for precaution.

It is early to expect significant changes in 24 hours after starting treatment. That can be known only after 3 - 4 days when the pain and inflammation will start to reduce.

If there is no change even after 5 days then please discuss with your doctor or consult a surgeon.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar