500 mg TAB: $0.5
Pharmacology: Antiviral agent. Nucleoside analogue. DNA-synthesis inhibitor
Sub-class: Purine analogue (Prodrug for Acyclovir)
Pregnancy category: B
Average serum half life: ValACYclovir: ~30 minutes; acyclovir: 3 hours
Urine penetration: Therapeutic
CSF penetration: Therapeutic
ValACYclovir is a prodrug of the antiviral acyclovir. ValACYclovir is rapidly and nearly completely converted to acyclovir, which has inhibitory activity against human herpes simplex virus HSV-1, HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus (VZV).
Patients should remain adequate hydration to prevent acute kidney injury while taking ValACYclovir.
Adapted from the Markham Stouffville Hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Program