Suggest Dosage For Valtrex

Posted on Fri, 28 Oct 2016

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

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 Answered on

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. From time to time I get a cold sore and just had a few questions. My doctor prescribed me .5 grams the generic for valtrex and the directions on the bottle say take 2 pills first dose and then 1 pill twice daily for 5 days. However, when I read online under the valtrex website it says take 2 grams then 12 hours later take another 2 grams for cold sores. Are the directions my doctor prescribed unusual for cold sores? Also is the generic form just as good as the actual brand name. Thanks so much.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Valacyclovir for herpes labialis

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.

These are 2 different regimens of valacyclovir for herpes labialis and both are correct i.e you may either take 2 doses of 2gm of valacyclovir, 12 hrs apart or you may take 500 mg of valacyclovir, 2x daily for 5 days.
Generic form of a drug is as good as any other form of a drug.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 minutes later)

Ok thank you..appreciate it

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for writing to us

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

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