Valaccilovir and Acyclovir: what is better, what are the differences, analogues

Modern pharmacology offers many medicines that help cope with herpes; Valacyclovir is one of the highly effective medicines. This is an antiviral drug belonging to the category of nucleoside analogues. It is endowed with the ability to be active against herpes viruses of a wide variety of stamps. The medicine is time-tested and has proven itself to be a reliable and high-quality remedy, suppresses infection, significantly reduces the number of exacerbations, and helps eliminate the problem in a short time.

Mode of application

The tablets are taken internally with a small amount of liquid. Take the medicine regardless of meals.

Treatment of herpes zoster – 1000 mg (2 tablets) 3 times a day. The treatment course lasts a week.

Therapy for genital and simple herpes – 500 mg (1 tablet) 2 times a day, for 5 days; for more severe forms, the cure is extended to 10 days.

The effect of the medication is most effective when treatment begins at the first symptoms of the disease.

Comparing valacyclovir-containing drugs

Valtrex

The drug under the trade name Valtrex (instructions) was launched into production by the British pharmaceutical company (GSK). Valtrex is the original drug of valacyclovir. Now the medicine is produced in Spain and Poland. Sold in tablets of 500 mg; in packs of 42 and 10 pieces.

Valtrex has proven itself in the prevention of viral attacks and relief of acute processes as the most effective remedy that can be bought in Russian pharmacies. Taking the pills early when warning symptoms of herpes appear - burning, itching, tingling and tingling - will most likely prevent the appearance of rashes. It is important to start therapy before the vesicular stage (vesicles) appears.

When treating herpes zoster, the drug softens the pain syndrome, prevents the formation of new rash elements and shortens the duration of attacks.

Valtrex, like its analogues, is used for suppressive, that is, preventive therapy. It is carried out if relapses of herpes occur more than 5-6 times a year. In this case, the drug is taken for a long time (up to a year); it blocks the replication of the virus as soon as it begins to become active in the nerve ganglion.

The treatment regimen for a specific infection is determined by the doctor and depends on the severity of the disease, its symptoms and the patient’s immune status.
Standard dosage regimen

The dose is reduced in patients suffering from kidney disease.

The tablets are taken independently of food intake; food does not affect the absorption of the medicine.

Doctors note that the drug is well tolerated compared to generics. The negative point is the high cost of the medicine.

Valvir

Bulgarian analogue of Valtrex according to the active substance (instructions). The composition of auxiliary components differs slightly.

Like Valtrex, it is available in tablets of 500 mg, 10 and 42 pieces per package. There are also 1 g tablets in a pack of 7 pieces.

It has the same indications and contraindications for use as the original drug valacyclovir.

When choosing which is better – Valtrex or Valvir, you should take into account that the Bulgarian drug is a third cheaper. In addition, it is more convenient to take in the treatment of herpes zoster, when a higher single dose of the drug is required: 1000 mg.

Valtsikon

Russian drug from the Vertex campaign based on valacyclovir (instructions). Like Valtrex, it is available in a dosage of 500 mg in packages of 10 and 42 tablets.

The medicine is prescribed in the same cases as Valtrex. The mechanism of action and dosage regimen are similar to any valacyclovir.

For the treatment of neuralgic pain and rashes caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus (“chickenpox” in adults); To relieve acute symptoms and prevent oral and genital herpes, it is legitimate to prescribe both Valtrex and Valcicon. The difference between the drugs is only in the manufacturer and, accordingly, in the cost. Russian medicine is almost two times cheaper than imported medicine.

Valacitec

Manufactured by Vivimed Labs, located in India. Like Valtrex, it has a dosage of 500 mg.

The Indian generic valacyclovir is approved for use in children over 12 years of age suffering from HSV infections. Treatment of herpes zoster with Valicitec is carried out only from the age of 18.

One tablet of the Indian drug will cost 5 times less than a Valtrex tablet.

Valaciclovir Canon / Synthesis / Izvarino / Ozone

Let us recall that Valaciclovir is the international nonproprietary name of the active compound. A number of Russian enterprises produce drugs with this name.

Like their imported analogues, they are intended for treatment and prevention:

• labial form of herpes;
• debut of genital herpes and its relapses;
• herpes zoster.

Russian analogues of Valtrex are also used to prevent infection with cytomegalovirus after abdominal surgery. They are effective in suppressive therapy of the genital form of herpes, carried out over a long period of time in order to prevent rashes and reduce the likelihood of infecting a sexual partner.

Treatment is based on a dosage regimen common to all valacyclovir-containing medications.

Tablets from the Canonpharma company Valaciclovir Canon are sold in the following dosages: 1 g, packaged in packages of 7 tablets, and 0.5 g, packaged in 10 tablets. Their cost is less than that of the above-mentioned domestic analogue called Valtsikon.

In addition to the Bulgarian Valvir, Valacyclovir Canon has a convenient dosage of 1 g in some cases. The difference between the Russian medicine and Valvir and Valtrex is that it is approved for the treatment of manifestations of herpes simplex in adolescents from 12 to 18 years of age.

Pharmaceutical enterprises Synthesis, Izvarino and Ozon produce tablets only in a standard dosage - 500 mg. Sintez and Izvarino have large economical packages of 40 and 50 pcs.

Domestic medicines for herpes are not cheap, but still, on average, their cost is 2 times less than Valtrex and most other imported analogues. A positive exception to this series is the Indian Valacitec: it can be classified as a relatively cheap drug.

Precautionary measures

Elderly people should drink plenty of fluids when taking medication to limit themselves from the risk of developing kidney failure.

During treatment of genital herpes with Valaccilovir, you should abstain from sex, since the medicine does not protect against infection.

Long-term use may result in the formation of negative manifestations from the central nervous system; in this situation, it is necessary to immediately discontinue the medication.

Under the supervision of a doctor, it is necessary to take the medication to patients with serious liver pathologies.

With severe HIV infection, the use of medication can cause serious consequences and even lead to death.

What is better to choose

Today, doctors are increasingly recommending the use of Valaclovir, since it is part of the group of modified antiviral drugs and does not have the disadvantages characteristic of the first generation of drugs. The main advantage is a high rate of digestibility - 75% (Acyclovir has only 15%), this effect is achieved due to the transformation of L-valine ester under the influence of liver enzymes (after absorption in the intestines) directly into acyclovir, as well as valine amino acid.

Valaciclovir is available in various dosages, which allows you to choose the optimal treatment regimen. Moreover, the drug is taken less often than its analogue, which reduces the likelihood of missing a medication. At the same time, the risk of developing side symptoms in the form of headaches, as well as disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, is minimal.

Valaciclovir is not prescribed for:

• Hypersensitivity to the main component
• Childhood (child under 12 years old)
• Pregnancy and lactation period.

Acyclovir ointment can be prescribed to pregnant women and children under 3 years of age.

The main disadvantage of Valaciclovir is its cost - 313 - 3840 rubles. and one dosage form - tablets.

Side effects

Adverse reactions that may most often occur after taking Valaccilovir tablets:

• Digestive system: feeling of nausea, vomiting, pain and discomfort in the epigastric abdomen, diarrhea, in rare cases, changes in liver tests, manifestations of hepatitis
• CNS: headaches, dizziness, irritation, depression, signs of psychosis, convulsions, tremors of limbs, hallucinations
• Sense organs: problems with vision and hearing
• Urinary tract: pain in the kidney area, acute stage of renal failure
• Hematopoietic system: anemia, thrombocytopenia, whining, etc.
• Skin: rashes, erythema
• Allergic reactions in the form of shortness of breath, swelling, rash.

In addition, in some people, the use of the medication can cause respiratory tract infections, facial swelling, blood pressure disorders, heart rhythm disturbances, fever, and rhinorrhea.

Side effects

Problems with the kidneys and nervous system were most often found in patients who had previously experienced similar problems. In addition, such symptoms may appear in older people if they have kidney failure due to age-related changes. Most patients did not experience any side effects while using Valaciclovir, but in a number of experiments the following deviations were found:

1. General ailments in adults: headaches and pain in the abdominal area, vomiting, dizziness;
2. HIV-infected individuals additionally exhibited rash and fatigue;
3. Less common effects: pain during menstruation, joint pain, depression;
4. Common ailments in children: headaches, nausea, diarrhea, dehydration, runny nose and herpes;
5. Nervous system: subjects felt aggression, problems with movement, body convulsions, unsteady gait, difficulties with consciousness and speech;
6. Vision problems;
7. Gastrointestinal tract: hepatitis and diarrhea;
8. Urinary system: kidney pain and renal failure;
9. Allergies: hypersensitivity, rash, itching and urticaria;
10. In rare cases, facial edema and tachycardia have been observed;
11. The drug is contraindicated in any group of patients with hypersensitivity to one of the components of the drug, as well as with caution in clinically HIV-infected patients.

Valacyclovir should be used with caution in elderly people and patients with any kidney disease (especially if they previously used the drug in increased doses to maintain kidney function). This category of patients also includes people who receive other nephrotoxic drugs, patients without hydration. All of these groups may subsequently suffer from acute renal failure while taking this drug.

CNS problems have often been observed in those patients who took high doses of Valaciclovir to maintain proper kidney function. No official studies have been conducted regarding the advisability of using the drug in pregnant and lactating women. However, back in the 80-90s, a number of tests were carried out, where it was proven that no defects were found in infants at birth while the mother was taking Valacyclovir. However, these data are insignificant, so the drug is prescribed to pregnant women with great caution.

It has also been proven that Valaciclovir can pass into breast milk, so the drug is prescribed during lactation with caution. There was no effect on the administration of a drug or other mechanism requiring increased alertness.

Valacyclovir interacts with a number of other drugs, including digoxin and drugs containing aluminum and magnesium. Cimetidine and Probenecid may reduce the effect of Acyclovir; nephrotoxic drugs increase the risk of kidney failure.

Analogs

Valvir

Actavis Ltd, Iceland

Price from 930 to 2260 rubles

Valvir is a high-quality medical product used to destroy the herpes virus. Indications for its use are: herpes zoster, genital and simple herpes; Valvir is also often used in organ transplantation, as a prophylactic agent. The medication comes in tablets of 500 and 1000 mg.

Pros:

• Fast effectiveness
• Prevents relapses of the disease.

Minuses:

• Many contraindications and undesirable manifestations
• Not used during pregnancy
• High price.

Acyclovir

Vertex, Russia

Price from 50 to 270 rubles

Acyclovir is classified as an antiviral drug that is widely used to treat herpes of various types and forms. The drug contains a substance that suppresses viruses at the DNA level. If we compare whether Valacyclovir or Acyclovir tablets are more effective, then there is no clear answer in this case. Both drugs contain the same substance as an active ingredient and effectively treat herpes. The only difference is that Valacyclovir has a slightly higher concentration, and Acyclovir is sold not only in tablets, but also in the form of ointment, cream, and solution for injections.

Pros:

• High efficiency
• Various dosage forms.

Minuses:

• May be addictive
• Presence of adverse reactions.

Main differences

Antiviral drugs differ in a number of parameters:

• Dosage form
• Active ingredient
• Duration of antiviral treatment
• Frequency of medication use.

The release form of Acyclovir is tablets, injection solution, ointment. The medicine can be used to relieve symptoms of herpes simplex, chicken pox and shingles. The use of pills and ointments is quite often prescribed. Typically, the duration of antiviral treatment is about 10 days, but long-term treatment therapy is also allowed. The difference between Acyclovir and Valacyclovir is the occurrence of addiction with prolonged use of ointments or tablets. The drug can be prescribed to children and also during pregnancy.

Valacyclovir is available only in tablet form, but contains an increased concentration of the active component. The drug is classified as a semi-medicine, since the main transformations of L-valine ester occur in the liver cells, where acyclovir itself is formed. Thanks to this special property, the drug has a prolonged antiviral effect and is not addictive.

Valacyclovir is taken 1 tablet. dosage of 500 mg twice a day. The regimen for taking Acyclovir is significantly different, the daily dose of the drug is 6 tablets. dose 200 mg. It is worth noting that Valaciclovir is taken for only 5-7 days, during which time a pronounced therapeutic effect appears.

Contraindications

The drug "Valacyclovir Canon" is prohibited for use by patients who have been diagnosed with the following diseases:

1. HIV infections. The drug has a negative effect on the patient’s body if the CD4 lymphocyte count is less than 100/μl.
2. Hypersensitivity of the body to the components of the drug.

The medicine is not prescribed to children under 12 years of age with cytomegalovirus infection. Since experts have not conducted research on the effect of the medication on the body of pregnant women, only doctors can prescribe the drug.

Operating principle

The drug "Valacyclovir Canon" belongs to the category of antiviral drugs. After the first oral administration, the main component is transformed into the active metabolite acyclovir. This substance has powerful inhibitory properties against cytomegalovirus, herpes, varicella-zoster, and chickenpox. The medicine completely inhibits the production of DNA of the virus, due to which its structure is gradually destroyed and it stops reproducing. In such a situation, the death of the pathogenic microorganism is inevitable.

When administered orally, Valacyclovir Canon is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. A specific liver enzyme converts it into two substances - valine and acyclovir. In healthy people, the peak concentration of the drug in the blood plasma is observed 2 hours after consuming 500 mg. The diagnosed indicator ranges from 10 to 36 µmol/ml. If you take 1 g of the drug once, its final bioavailability will be equal to 50%, regardless of food intake. The maximum content of the drug in the blood plasma is recorded within three hours, after which it gradually decreases.

In patients with normal renal function, the half-life is no more than three hours. More than 85% of the drug is excreted in the urine in the form of acyclovir. If the patient has previously been diagnosed with severe kidney damage, the resulting half-life may be 15 hours or more.

To significantly increase the bioavailability of the drug, creams and ointments with acyclovir are actively used. In such a situation, the amount of the main substance can reach 60%, but only at the site of application of the product. The medication is intended for the treatment of genital, oral, and herpes zoster. The drug prevents possible relapses, complications, and also helps to quickly eliminate the blistering rash that appears.

It is worth noting that viruses do not have their own cells, which is why they are gradually integrated into human DNA and use biological material for their own reproduction. After this, the infected cell of the patient’s body ceases to perform its basic functions. That is why herpes is commonly called an intracellular parasite. To reproduce, this virus needs a “host” in order to be able to develop uncontrollably and infect new areas.

Available analogues

Valacyclovir Canon is highly effective, but in some cases patients need to replace this medication. The most popular analogues include:

1. "Valtrex".
2. "Valmik".
3. "Vacirex." The medication quickly acts on viral cells and eliminates pain.

Experts note that Valacyclovir Canon has at least two medications with a similar principle of action - Valtrex and Acyclovir. The main difference between these drugs is as follows:

• Valtrex has a rather complex formula, due to which it can remain in the patient’s body for a longer time, significantly reducing the number of doses. Many patients choose this particular medication because of the wide variety of pharmaceutical forms: ampoules, creams, tablets.
• "Acyclovir" after entering the body prevents the transmission of the viral component to a healthy cell. At the final stage, it is excreted through the kidneys in the urine in the form of breakdown products.

If the patient decides to understand how “Valacyclovir” differs from “Valacyclovir Canon”, then it is necessary to take into account that the first medication directly affects the herpes virus, gradually destroys it and prevents the dangerous infection from growing further. Thanks to this, the patient can quickly cope with the pathology. Experts have proven that there is no significant difference between Valacyclovir Canon and Valacyclovir. Both medications are used both for the comprehensive fight against herpes and for the prevention of viral diseases.

Composition of the drug

"Valacyclovir Canon" is sold in the form of film-coated tablets. The main active ingredient is valacyclovir hydrochloride. Auxiliary components are also used:

1. Povidone K90.
2. Polysorb.
3. Crospovidonum.
4. Magnesium salt of stearic acid.
5. MCC.

The film shell used contains titanium dioxide, polysorbate, and macrogol. Tablets are sold in 6 and 10 pieces per package.

Indications

In the instructions for Valacyclovir Canon, the manufacturers indicated that the medication is intended for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:

1. Herpes zoster.
2. Significantly reducing the risk of transmitting a dangerous virus to a sexual partner.
3. Herpes of the lips (the so-called “cold” on the lips and in the periodontal area).
4. Effective prevention of cytomegalovirus infection during intracavitary operations (this also applies to transplantology).
5. Primary stage and relapses of genital herpes.
6. Prevention of the development of genital infection.