Which is better Valacyclovir or Acyclovir?

by Mary-Ann
(NZ)

Valacyclovir herpes

Answer

Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir that has better oral absorption and, at high doses, can provide serum levels of acyclovir that are comparable to those of intravenous administration. Valacyclovir exhibits better oral absorption and higher, more prolonged serum concentrations than oral acyclovir. The efficacy of valacyclovir and acyclovir on genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) shedding was assessed in a double-blind trial.

Conclusions. Although the suppression of viral replication is not complete, valacyclovir and acyclovir are highly effective in suppressing the frequency and quantity of genital HSV shedding.

Most sexual transmission of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 occurs on days without genital lesions in the source partner. Acyclovir reduces both clinical and subclinical shedding of HSV-2 in the genital tract; however, the virus can still be detected by DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on 8% of the days during suppressive therapy.