What is valacyclovir used for?

Indications and Usage, quoted from the label by Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. (ANDA090682). Cross-references to other label sections are left out.

Adult Patients

Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) Valacyclovir tablets are indicated for treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis). The efficacy of valacyclovir tablets initiated after the development of clinical signs of a cold sore (e.g., papule, vesicle, or ulcer) has not been established. Genital Herpes Initial Episode: Valacyclovir tablets are indicated for treatment of the initial episode of genital herpes in immunocompetent adults. The efficacy of treatment with valacyclovir tablets when initiated more than 72 hours after the onset of signs and symptoms has not been established. Recurrent Episodes: Valacyclovir tablets are indicated for treatment of recurrent episodes of genital herpes in immunocompetent adults. The efficacy of treatment with valacyclovir tablets when initiated more than 24 hours after the onset of signs and symptoms has not been established. Suppressive Therapy: Valacyclovir tablets are indicated for chronic suppressive therapy of recurrent episodes of genital herpes in immunocompetent and in HIV-1-infected adults. The efficacy and safety of valacyclovir tablets for the suppression of genital herpes beyond 1 year in immunocompetent patients and beyond 6 months in HIV-1-infected patients have not been established. Reduction of Transmission: Valacyclovir tablets are indicated for the reduction of transmission of genital herpes in immunocompetent adults. The efficacy of valacyclovir tablets for the reduction of transmission of genital herpes beyond 8 months in discordant couples has not been established. The efficacy of valacyclovir tablets for the reduction of transmission of genital herpes in individuals with multiple partners and non-heterosexual couples has not been established. Safer sex practices should be used with suppressive therapy (see current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines). Herpes Zoster Valacyclovir tablets are indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) in immunocompetent adults. The efficacy of valacyclovir tablets when initiated more than 72 hours after the onset of rash and the efficacy and safety of valacyclovir tablets for treatment of disseminated herpes zoster have not been established.

Pediatric Patients

Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis)

Valacyclovir tablets are indicated for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis) in pediatric patients aged greater than or equal to 12 years. The efficacy of valacyclovir tablets initiated after the development of clinical signs of a cold sore (e.g., papule, vesicle, or ulcer) has not been established.

Chickenpox

Valacyclovir tablets are indicated for the treatment of chickenpox in immunocompetent pediatric patients aged 2 to less than 18 years. Based on efficacy data from clinical trials with oral acyclovir, treatment with valacyclovir tablets should be initiated within 24 hours after the onset of rash.

Limitations of Use

The efficacy and safety of valacyclovir tablets have not been established in:

• Immunocompromised patients other than for the suppression of genital herpes in HIV-1-infected patients with a CD4+ cell count greater than or equal to 100 cells/mm3.
• Patients aged less than 12 years with cold sores (herpes labialis).
• Patients aged less than 2 years or greater than or equal to 18 years with chickenpox.
• Patients aged less than 18 years with genital herpes.
• Patients aged less than 18 years with herpes zoster.
• Neonates and infants as suppressive therapy following neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection.

Source: DailyMed label, set id 8d1645c0-fd03-4992-9372-98026a26b3af, version 10, effective March 10, 2026. NDC 57237-042, one of 84 listings for this product.