Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Zammarchi L, Lazzarotto T, Andreoni M, Campolmi I, Pasquini L, Di Tommaso M, Simonazzi G, Tomasoni LR, Castelli F, Galli L, Borchi B, Clerici P, Bartoloni A, Tavio M, Trotta M.  Management of cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy: is it time for valacyclovir? Clin Microbiol Infect. 2020 Sep;26(9):1151-1154. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.04.006.

Abstract. The aim of this article was to summarize the available evidence on the use of valacyclovir during pregnancy to prevent and treat Congenital cytomegalovirus  infection and disease.

Wu JJ, Brentjens MH, Torres G, Yeung-Yue K, Lee P, Tyring SK.   Valacyclovir in the treatment of herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and other viral infections. J Cutan Med Surg. 2003 Sep-Oct;7(5):372-81. doi: 10.1007/s10227-002-0140-3.

Abstract. We describe the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy of valacyclovir for the treatment of herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and other viral infections. Valacyclovir is also compared with acyclovir and famciclovir.

Zammarchi L, Lazzarotto T, Andreoni M, Giaché S, Campolmi I, Pasquini L, Di Tommaso M, Simonazzi G, Tomasoni LR, Castelli F, Galli L, Borchi B, Clerici P, Bartoloni A, Tavio M, Trotta M. Valacyclovir for cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy: additional evidences, additional questions. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2021 Apr;27(4):644-645. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.09.015. 

Abstract. The authors reported a case series of 12 pregnant women treated with off-label valacyclovir 8 g per day following primary CMV infection in the first half of pregnancy and stopped in case of negative amniocentesis.

Schuster AK, Harder BC, Schlichtenbrede FC, Jarczok MN, Tesarz J. Valacyclovir versus acyclovir for the treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in immunocompetent patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Nov 14;11(11):CD011503. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011503.pub2. 

Abstract. Background: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus affects the eye and vision, and is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the distribution of the first division of the trigeminal nerve. An aggressive management of acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus with systemic antiviral medication is generally recommended as the standard first-line treatment for herpes zoster ophthalmicus infections. Both acyclovir and its prodrug valacyclovir are medications that are approved for the systemic treatment of herpes zoster. Although it is known that valacyclovir has an improved bioavailability and steadier plasma concentration, it is currently unclear as to whether this leads to better treatment results and less ocular complications.Objectives: To assess the effects of valacyclovir versus acyclovir for the systemic antiviral treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in immunocompetent patients.

Corey L, Wald A, Patel R, Sacks SL, Tyring SK, Warren T, Douglas JM Jr, Paavonen J, Morrow RA, Beutner KR, Stratchounsky LS, Mertz G, Keene ON, Watson HA, Tait D, Vargas-Cortes M; Valacyclovir HSV Transmission Study Group. Once-daily valacyclovir to reduce the risk of transmission of genital herpes. N Engl J Med. 2004 Jan 1;350(1):11-20. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa035144. 

Abstract. We followed 1484 immunocompetent, heterosexual, monogamous couples: one with clinically symptomatic genital HSV-2 and one susceptible to HSV-2. The partners with HSV-2 infection were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg of valacyclovir once daily or placebo for eight months. The susceptible partner was evaluated monthly for clinical signs and symptoms of genital herpes. Source partners were followed for recurrences of genital herpes; 89 were enrolled in a substudy of HSV-2 mucosal shedding. Both partners were counseled on safer sex and were offered condoms at each visit. The predefined primary end point was the reduction in transmission of symptomatic genital herpes.

Bist A, Savitha A, Gumma KM. Efficacy of valacyclovir and famciclovir in herpes zoster: A comparative study. Indian J Pharmacol. 2020 Nov-Dec;52(6):472-475. doi: 10.4103/ijp.IJP_555_18. 

Abstract. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral agent valacyclovir compared with famciclovir in the treatment of herpes zoster.

Devanand DP, Andrews H, Kreisl WC, Razlighi Q, Gershon A, Stern Y, Mintz A, Wisniewski T, Acosta E, Pollina J, Katsikoumbas M, Bell KL, Pelton GH, Deliyannides D, Prasad KM, Huey ED. Antiviral therapy: Valacyclovir Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (VALAD) Trial: protocol for a randomised, double-blind,placebo-controlled, treatment trial. BMJ Open. 2020 Feb 6;10(2):e032112. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032112.

Abstract. After infection, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV1) becomes latent in the trigeminal ganglion and can enter the brain via retrograde axonal transport.