Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication used primarily to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Its main uses include:

• Treating herpes labialis (cold sores)
• Treating herpes simplex infections, including genital herpes
• Treating herpes zoster (shingles)
• Treating chickenpox, particularly in children aged 2 years and older

Valacyclovir works by slowing the growth and spread of the herpes virus to help the body fight the infection. While it does not cure herpes infections or remove the virus from the body, it helps relieve symptoms, reduce pain and discomfort, speed healing of sores, and can reduce the frequency of outbreaks and transmission risk

. It is available by prescription in oral tablet form and is often prescribed to be taken soon after symptoms appear for best effectiveness