How does valtrex work for cold sores

Free Prescription Skincare Consultation. Start Now. Medically reviewed by Mary Lucas, RN. Cold sores can be a frustrating experience. Data shows that around two thirds of all people aged from 14 to 49 have HSV-1, the variation of the herpes virus that can cause cold sores. While most of the people with HSV-1 are asymptomatic, many experience frequent cold sore outbreaks.

Luckily, cold sores are relatively easy to treat. Antiviral medication like valacyclovir Valtrex is highly effective against cold sores, helping to speed up healing and—if taken early enough in the development of a cold sore—potentially halt it in its tracks. But is valacyclovir effective after a cold sore has had the chance to develop? The most effective time to use valacyclovir for cold sores is before they have a chance to fully develop. Most of the time, cold sores begin as an itching, burning sensation on or around the lips.

After a day or so, the itching skin develops a blister that eventually turns into an open sore. Valtrex, which contains the active ingredient valacyclovir, can help your cold sores clear up faster.

It can also reduce the number of cold sores you get. Read on to learn how Valtrex works and how to use it to treat your cold sores. Cold sores typically start to heal on their own within about four to six days. Although, the first cold sore you get will likely last longer. To treat a cold sore, you take Valtrex on the day you notice a cold sore forming. Valtrex works by preventing the herpes virus from growing and spreading. Your doctor may also prescribe Valtrex to help prevent future cold sores, which is an off-label use.

In that case, you and your doctor would work together to create the best treatment plan for you. Valtrex is an oral caplet. It comes in milligram and 1-gram strengths. The generic product is an oral tablet which comes in the same strengths. The recommended dosage is 2 grams twice daily, taken 12 hours apart, for one day. Valtrex should be started at the earliest signs of a cold sore. Valtrex is not recommended for treating cold sores in children of this age group. But it can be used to treat chickenpox in children ages 2 years and older.

Most people experience an initial tingling, itching, or burning sensation from a forming cold sore. Once you notice these symptoms it is time to immediately start the following dosage :. During the treatment day, be sure to drink lots of water as Valacyclovir can be tough on your kidneys.

The effects of reducing viral replication should begin as soon as the medication in your system, so the sooner you can take the medication once you feel a cold sore coming on, the better off you will be. One study found that Valacyclovir may help shorten the duration of a cold sore outbreak by about 1 day. And, since cold sores generally start healing on their own in days time, you will be looking at something closer to days.

In this study the average time between initial symptoms and starting the first dose was about 6 hours, so timing is key! You can schedule an appointment with your local doctor or schedule an online consultation with one of our U.

If you are a good candidate, your prescription can be shipped quickly and discreetly to your front door. For cold sore outbreaks for those 12 or older, the dosage is 2,mg 2gm every 12 hours for 1 day - so two doses total. Select a treatment to get started For him.

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