ZELITREX ® Valaciclovir

ZELITREX ® is a drug based on Valaciclovir hydrochloride

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antivirals for systemic use

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications ZELITREX ® Valaciclovir

ZELITREX ® is a drug useful in the treatment of diseases related to infections caused by Herpes Simplex type 1 and 2 and Varicella Zooster Virus.

Valaciclovir has also proved particularly useful in the prophylaxis of CMV infections in transplanted patients.

Mechanism of action ZELITREX ® Valaciclovir

Valaciclovir, active ingredient of ZELITREX ®, is a prodrug obtained from the esterification between Valine and acyclovir characterized by the same mechanism of action as Aciclovir but with decidedly better pharmacokinetic properties.

More precisely than the Acyclovir, Valaciclovir has a better absolute bioavailability, which guarantees a wider distribution among the various tissues and therefore a greater clinical efficacy.

Transformed into Acyclovir, partly at the intestinal level in part at the hepatic level, this drug carries out its therapeutic activity successfully against HSV type 1 and 2, VZV and CMV in immunosuppressed patients.

The aforementioned activity is sustained by Aciclovir triphosphate, made such by viral and cellular enzymes, which, replacing guanosine, is incorporated into the nascent viral DNA chain, inhibiting the elongation capacity of the viral DNA polymerase and thus blocking the replicative capacity of the virus same.

All this takes the form of a prompt remission of the symptomatology in place, guaranteed by the reduction of the viral load.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

VALACICLOVIR AND HERPES VIRUS INFECTIONS

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2010 Aug; 11 (11): 1901-13.

Study supporting the efficacy of Valacyclovir in the treatment of Herpes Virus-supported infections both in immunocompetent patients and also in immunocompromised adult patients.

VALACICLOVIR IN PROPHYLAXIS OF VZV INFECTIONS IN BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATIONS

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2011 Feb; 46 (2): 294-9.

Trial demonstrating the efficacy of Valaciclovir taken for 24 months after bone marrow transplantation in reducing the onset of VZV infection, responsible for a serious decline in the health condition of the patients concerned.

VALACICLOVIR: in search of molecular mechanisms

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2013 Jan; 29 (1): 94-8.

Cellular and molecular study that tries to characterize the potential capabilities of Valacyclovir to inhibit viral replication, acting indirectly also on the lymphocyte activation state in cases of HIV / HSV packs.

Method of use and dosage

ZELITREX ®

500 mg coated tablets - 1000 mg of Valaciclovir hydrochloride.

The ZELITREX ® -based therapy should be defined by a doctor experienced in the treatment of infectious diseases, modulating dosages and dosage regimen according to the patient's physiopathological characteristics, the severity of his clinical picture, the possible presence of conditions such as to alter the safety profile of the therapy itself and the therapeutic goals to be achieved.

Warnings ZELITREX ® Valaciclovir

The need for a careful medical examination before taking ZELITREX ® is fundamental in order to optimize the therapy itself limiting the possible appearance of side effects.

For this reason particular care should be taken in the use of Valaciclovir, for elderly patients or those suffering from liver and kidney diseases for which the risk of the occurrence of side effects would be decidedly more significant.

However, pharmacological therapy should be associated with compliance with specific hygienic rules useful for reducing the spread of the virus and therefore the use of the drug, since the prolonged use of Valaciclovir could facilitate the spread of viral strains resistant to drug therapy and therefore responsible for serious and difficult to resolve clinical pictures.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Although the safety profile of Valaciclovir for fetal health is not yet fully characterized, the ability of the active ingredient to cross the blood-forming barrier and the breast filter, exposing itself to the fetus and infant, greatly limits the use of ZELITREX ® during the pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding period.

However, should the needs require the use of ZELITREX ®, it would be the gynecologist's task to assess the prescriptive appropriateness considering the utility of the therapy based on the cost / benefit ratio.

Interactions

In order to avoid the persistence of the active ingredient in circulation, thus limiting the possible occurrence of side effects, it would be advisable to avoid the simultaneous intake of Vanciclovir and active ingredients able to reduce the degree of renal function.

Contraindications ZELITREX ® Valaciclovir

The use of ZELITREX ® is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to Aciclovir or to structurally related active ingredients rather than to excipients present in the drug.