Valaciclovir

(S) -2 - [(2 -amino-6 -oxo-3 ,9- dihydropurin -9-yl ) - methoxy] ethyl-2- amino-3 -methyl- butanoate

J05AB11

Antivirals

Hydrochloride Hydrate

Attention

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Valaciclovir is an analogue of the nucleobase guanine. It is used as an antiviral agent against herpes viruses to attack of herpes zoster ( varicella zoster virus) and genital herpes (herpes simplex virus).

Pharmacology

Valacyclovir is a so-called prodrug of acyclovir and is converted into that in the body. The advantage of valaciclovir is a rapid absorption from the gut and increased bioavailability ( about 55 % versus 10%). Effects and side effects are similar to those of acyclovir.

Stereoisomerism

Valaciclovir is chiral. As the drug is used only the (S) enantiomer. Valacyclovir is an ester of the proteinogenic amino acid L- valine.

Trade names

Valaciclomed (A), Valdacir (A), Valtrex (D, A, CH), Viropel (A ), numerous generics (A, CH)