Valacyclovir 500mg – 8 Tablets

Valacyclovir, marketed under the pharmaceutical brand name Valtrex, is an antiviral medication and the prodrug form of Acyclovir. Converted by hepatic enzymes to Acyclovir following oral absorption, with substantially higher bioavailability than oral Acyclovir itself. This formulation delivers 500mg per tablet in an 8 count pack, consistent with the dose and supply quantity most commonly referenced in clinical guidelines for episodic cold sore and genital herpes treatment protocols.

Valacyclovir’s mechanism of action operates through selective inhibition of viral DNA replication. Following conversion to Acyclovir, it is phosphorylated by the viral thymidine kinase enzyme produced specifically by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV); a selectivity that concentrates the active compound within virus infected cells while leaving uninfected cells largely unaffected. The phosphorylated Acyclovir then acts as a competitive inhibitor and chain terminator of viral DNA polymerase, halting viral DNA synthesis without the same degree of inhibition on human cellular DNA polymerase. This virus selective activation mechanism is the pharmacological basis for Valacyclovir’s established tolerability profile and its position as the standard of care antiviral for HSV and VZV infections in clinical practice.

Valacyclovir’s prodrug design over direct oral Acyclovir is a clinically meaningful pharmacokinetic improvement. Oral Acyclovir has poor bioavailability of approximately 15-30% due to limited intestinal absorption. Valacyclovir’s valine ester modification enables active transport through intestinal peptide transporters, producing approximately 3-5 times higher plasma Acyclovir concentrations from equivalent oral doses. This bioavailability advantage translates to less frequent dosing requirements compared to oral Acyclovir while achieving equivalent or superior antiviral exposure, contributing to Valacyclovir’s position as the preferred oral HSV antiviral in most current clinical guidelines over direct Acyclovir oral preparations.

Valtrex is stocked by Canada Steroid Depot following the same rigorous third party lab verification process applied to every product in our range. Each batch is tested for concentration accuracy and purity before being made available, with COA documentation available on request. All orders ship discreetly across Canada in plain, unmarked packaging with no identifying information on the exterior.

Valacyclovir treats HSV and VZV infections but does not cure them — it reduces severity, duration, and transmission risk during outbreaks but does not eliminate the virus. It does not treat bacterial infections, HIV, or other viral infections. Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and appropriate treatment guidance, particularly for first episodes or severe outbreaks.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and heat.