 rapidly converted to acyclovir after
oral administration
- achieves 3 to 5 times higher
serum levels then with acyclovir (similar
serum levels to IV acyclovir
administration).
- Mechanism of action, resistance
profile, and pharmacokinetics: identical to that
seen with acyclovir.
 Used
in treatment of patients with recurrent genital
herpes or herpes zoster. May be administered with
less frequency then acyclovir, a possible
benefit.
- Generally well tolerated; low incidence
of nausea diarrhea and headache.
 HIV patients receiving high-dosage
valacyclovir (eight grams per day):
- GI disturbances
- FATAL thrombotic
microangiopathies (thrombocytopenic
purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome).
- Valacyclovir probably should not
be given to immunocompromised patients,
including HIV patients.
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