Can i take valtrex with antibiotics

However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney disease, which may require an adjustment in the dose of patients receiving valacyclovir.

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below.

The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you.

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur.

Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:. Valacyclovir works best if it is used within 48 hours after the first symptoms of shingles or genital herpes e.

For recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, valacyclovir works best if it is used within 24 hours after the symptoms begin to appear. If you are taking valacyclovir for the treatment of chickenpox, it is best to start taking valacyclovir as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash appears, usually within one day.

If you are using the oral suspension, use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine.

This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems. To help clear up your infection, keep taking valacyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Do not miss any doses. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label.

The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible.

However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. If you or your child's symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

The areas affected by genital herpes, chickenpox, or shingles should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the sores blisters. It is important to remember that this medicine will not keep you from spreading herpes to others. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people.

Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection. Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases other than the virus that causes genital herpes. Do not share this medicine with another person , even if they have the same symptoms you have. Use Valtrex Valacyclovir exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Start taking valacyclovir as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms such as tingling, burning, blisters, or rash.

This medicine may not be effective if taken after you already have symptoms. Your pharmacist may prepare an oral suspension liquid form of valacyclovir. Shake this suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device not a kitchen spoon.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions. Some herpes infections need to be treated for longer than others. You may need to take the medicine for only 1 day or for just a few days.

To prevent recurrent genital herpes, you may need to take valacyclovir for up to 1 year. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Taking more valacyclovir than prescribed will not make this medicine more effective.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Store the oral suspension in a refrigerator and throw away suspension any left over after 28 days of use. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. Patients usually notice an improvement in symptoms within a few days of taking valacyclovir, but this will depend on the type of infection you have.

Typically, the sooner you start on this medicine, the quicker it will work. Health Topics. Health Tools. Valtrex Valacyclovir. Generic Name: Valacyclovir. Reviewed: January 4, Tell your doctor if you have ever had: kidney disease or if you are on dialysis ; a weak immune system; HIV or AIDS; or a kidney transplant or bone marrow transplant.