Valacyclovir hydrochloride
Valacyclovir Hydrochloride
Valacyclovir Hydrochloride (pronunciation: val-uh-SY-kloh-veer HYE-droe-KLOR-ide) is an antiviral medication used primarily in the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles. It is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks, this medication is used to reduce the number of future episodes.
Etymology
The term 'Valacyclovir' is derived from its chemical structure. 'Val' refers to the L-valine, an amino acid, 'acyclo' refers to the acyclic nature of the molecule, and 'vir' is a common suffix for antiviral medications.
Usage
Valacyclovir Hydrochloride is an antiviral drug. It stops the growth of certain viruses. However, it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks. Valacyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps new sores from forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain remains after the sores heal.
Related Terms
- Acyclovir: A similar antiviral medication used to treat herpes infections.
- Herpes Simplex Virus: The virus that causes herpes infections.
- Shingles: A painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
- Chickenpox: A highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
- Genital Herpes: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Valacyclovir hydrochloride
- Wikipedia's article - Valacyclovir hydrochloride
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