Valacyclovir Dosing for Herpes Zoster

Special Populations

• Valacyclovir should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal clearance, and dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with reduced renal function 1
• Higher doses or longer treatment duration may be necessary for immunocompromised patients, and consultation with an infectious disease specialist is recommended for patients with severe disease or those who are immunocompromised 1

Severe Disease

• For patients with severe disease or complications requiring hospitalization, intravenous acyclovir therapy should be considered instead of oral valacyclovir 2

Alternative Dosing Regimens

• The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests valacyclovir 1000 mg every 8 hours for 7 days for persistent or recalcitrant ophthalmic herpes zoster in immunocompetent patients 1