Adult

Valaciclovir

General Information

Antiviral

Restricted formulary antimicrobial: For details see OUH netFormulary

See local protocol(s) for further advice:

For all information regarding contra-indications, interactions, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding and additional information, see BNF and Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

Dosage

Indication Oral treatment dose

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

500mg BD

HSV in immunocompromised or HIV-positive patients

1g BD

Varicella zoster virus (VZV)

1g TDS

Renal and hepatic impairment

Renal impairment

Creatinine Clearance

(mL/min)*

Where the usual dose is

500mg BD

Where the usual dose is

1g BD

Where the usual dose is 

1g TDS

50 and above

 Dose as in normal renal function Dose as in normal renal function Dose as in normal renal function

30-49

 1g BD

10-29

 500mg OD 1g OD

1g OD

Less than 10

 500mg OD

HDF/High flux

Dialysed; give post-dialysis on dialysis days

Dose as in CrCl less than 10mL/min

PD

Not dialysed

Dose as in CrCl less than 10mL/min and monitor for toxicity.

*dose ranges use creatinine clearance, rather than eGFR

 

Hepatic impairment

  • No dose adjustment required. 
  • For higher doses (4000 mg or more per day), use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. 

 

References

  1. Sun Pharma UK Limited. Valaciclovir 500 mg Film Coated Tablets summary of product characteristics. Electronic medicines compendium. Last revision of the text 10/11/23. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk Accessed 16/9/26
  2. British National Formulary. Valaciclovir. Access via: BNF online accessed via www.medicinescomplete.com  Accessed 16/9/26.
  3. The Renal Drug Database. Valaciclovir. Last updated 6/8/25. Accessed via https://renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 16/9/26.
  4. Sanford Guide [online]. Valacyclovir. Last updated 8/9/26. Accessed 16/9/26

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 16 Sept 2026

Next review date: 14 May 2029

Author(s): AMST.