| ATC Code | J05AB11 |
| CAS number | 124832-26-4 |
| PUB number | 135398742 |
| Drugbank ID | DB00577 |
| Empirical formula | C13H20N6O4 |
| Molar mass (g·mol−1) | 324,34 |
| Physical state | solid |
| Melting point (°C) | 170-172 |
| PKS value | 1.90 |
Valaciclovir is a so-called prodrug of the antiviral substance aciclovir. It belongs to the group of nucleic base analogues. It is used to treat systemic infections with the herpes simplex virus, such as herpes zoster. Valaciclovir is available only on prescription and is mainly taken in tablet form.
Valaciclovir, or its active form aciclovir, is a so-called antimetabolite for the DNA of the herpes virus. It is incorporated into the DNA of the virus due to its structural similarity to the nucleic base guanine. This causes the DNA strand to break and the virus cannot replicate further. It has no effect on the DNA of healthy cells.
PharmacokineticsThe oral bioavailability of valaciclovir is approximately 54% and protein binding is 13-17%. Degradation is not catalyzed by enzymes of the CYP450 system, but by various other enzymes (dehydrogenases and oxidases). Over 90% of the ingested dose is excreted in the urine. The elimination half-life is about 2-3 hours.
The most common are headache, dizziness or discomfort of the gastrointestinal tract.
Valaciclovir should not be taken by pregnant women.
LD50: Oral Rat - 903.5 mg/kg
Markus Falkenstätter, BSc
Mag. pharm. Stefanie Lehenauer
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