Is the medicine for HSV-1 and 2 the same?
Oral herpes is more often caused by HSV-1 infection, and genital herpes is associated with HSV-2 infection, but it is possible to have an oral infection with HSV-2 or a genital infection with HSV-1. In any of these cases, valacyclovir is very effective at preventing or treating outbreaks.
How is HSV-1 and 2 treated?
Treatment. Antiviral medications – such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir – are the most effective medications for people infected with HSV (see WHO recommendations). These can help to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms but cannot cure the infection.
Do people with HSV-1 take medication?
Antiviral medication is commonly prescribed for patients having a first episode of genital herpes, but they can be used for recurrent episodes as well.
What is the best antibiotic for HSV-1?
There are three major drugs commonly used to treat genital herpes symptoms: acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These are all taken in pill form. Severe cases may be treated with the intravenous (IV) drug acyclovir.
Can acyclovir cure HSV?
Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure genital herpes and may not stop the spread of genital herpes to other people.
Does acyclovir treat HSV-2?
Episodic Therapy for Recurrent HSV-2 Genital Herpes *Acyclovir 400 mg orally 3 times/day is also effective, but are not recommended because of frequency of dosing.
Can I take Valtrex everyday for cold sores?
Antiviral creams are less effective and need to be applied several times daily for five days. To prevent cold sores, valacyclovir or another antiviral drug, acyclovir (Zovirax), can be taken daily. This reduces the chance of a cold sore coming back by about one-third.
How quickly does Valtrex work?
Valtrex is not an over-the-counter medication, so if you have a herpes infection, you’ll need a prescription. It can take up to seven to 10 days for Valtrex to start working for some people, while others may feel relief from their symptoms after a day or two.
Which is stronger acyclovir or valacyclovir?
Studies show that a small 500 mg dose of valacyclovir is as effective as a larger 800 mg dose of acyclovir in treating HSV.
How much Valtrex can you take?
The usual dose is 20 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, taken three times a day for 5 days. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg three times a day.
What is ciprofloxacin 500mg used for STD?
Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is an effective single-dose treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhea genital infections [57].
Can you pass HSV-2 while taking acyclovir?
Taking Aciclovir will help suppress herpes and will also reduce your chance of passing on the virus to a partner by 50%. However, Aciclovir alone still leaves a female partner with a 5% annual chance of catching the disease. And of course, to avoid having vaginal, oral or anal sex when you are having a herpes outbreak.
Can you take valacyclovir daily?
Treatment with suppressive therapy The PDR states that for suppressive therapy of recurrent herpes genitalis in all patients valacyclovir 1 gram (1000 mg) should be taken once daily.
Can I take Valtrex everyday?
Valtrex dosages If your doctor prescribes Valtrex differently, then you should follow their instructions. Valtrex is most effective when started as soon as symptoms begin, so see your doctor immediately if you have symptoms. It’s safe to take Valtrex every day as long as you’ve been instructed to do so.
Can I take 2 valacyclovir at a time?
The standard valacyclovir dosage for an outbreak of cold sores is the same as the dosage used for a primary oral herpes outbreak — 2,000 mg of valacyclovir taken every 12 hours, for a total of two doses. Taken early in a cold sore outbreak, this can significantly speed up healing.
Can I take Valtrex and acyclovir together?
No interactions were found between acyclovir and Valtrex. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.