Some people use Valtrex (Valacyclovir) to treat or prevent cold sores. Learn what dose is normally used and what strengths are available.
When you think you have a cold sore coming on - it’s time to act fast.
If you have your trusty Valtrex, or its generic form Valacyclovir, on hand you may be able to reduce the severity or duration of a cold sore when started at the first sign.
But, what is the exact dosage for treating cold sores?
The answer may vary depending on your age, or kidney function, so always go by what is written on your prescription label.
Below, we will cover the usual Valacyclovir dosage for cold sores, review the available strengths, and explain why the dosage is different when treating oral herpes (cold sores) vs genital herpes outbreaks.
The Valtrex (Valacyclovir) dosage for treating cold sores is:
Adults: 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day (2 doses total)
Adolescents (12-17 years old): 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day (2 doses total)
While these are the recommended dosages for Valacyclovir for cold sores, your doctor may advise that you use a different dosage based on their best judgment.
In that case, use the dosage recommended to you by your doctor and written on your prescription label.
For the best results, the first dose should be started at the very first sign of a cold sore, such as the tingling or burning sensation often felt at the onset of a cold sore.
If you have kidney issues, you may be started on a lower dosage to make sure you can properly process the medication.
On occasion, doctors may prescribe Valacyclovir for longer-term prevention of cold sores, if they become a recurring issue.
However, this is an off-label use of Valacyclovir, and the dosage will be based on your doctor’s best judgment.
Also Read: 9 Tips To Help Prevent Cold Sores From Forming
Valtrex and its generic form Valacyclovir both come in two strengths of caplets: 500mg (0.5gm) or 1,000mg (1gm).
This mediation can be taken with or without food. Be sure to stay well hydrated when taking this medication.
Read Related: Lysine for Cold Sores: How Does It Work and How Much To Take
Cold sores are considered HSV1, while genital herpes is primarily caused by HSV2.While these are both herpes simples viruses, they are a little bit different and are treated differently.
The dosage for cold sores (HSV1) is much higher, but it is only given for one day. This is normally enough to reduce the severity and duration of the cold sore outbreak.
With genital herpes (HSV2), the treatment can last anywhere from 10 days for the initial treatment to long-term daily dosages for breakout prevention.
With the longer duration of treatment with genital herpes, the dosage needs to be a little bit lower to make sure too much medication does not accumulate in the body, while also providing enough antiviral medication for genital herpes treatment or prevention.
If you find yourself constantly battling cold sores, and want to see if having prescription Valacyclovir on hand for the first sign is a good option for you, have a Free Online Questionnaire-based Telemedicine Consultation with our U.S. licensed doctors today.
If you are a good candidate for treatment with Valacyclovir, your prescription medication can be shipped directly to your front door with our free shipping.
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