What is the brand name for Valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir is marketed under the brand name Valtrex. This medication is an antiviral drug primarily used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses, including herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles), and varicella (chickenpox). When valacyclovir is ingested, it is converted into acyclovir, which is the active form of the drug that exerts the antiviral effects by inhibiting viral DNA replication.

Understanding this relationship is crucial, as buzzwords like “antiviral” and the conditions it treats (such as cold sores and shingles) are often tied to its brand name recognition in a pharmacy setting. Familiarity with the brand and generic drug names helps pharmacy technicians provide essential information to patients and assists in dispensing medications correctly.

The other options listed refer to different antiviral medications. Acyclovir is the base compound that valacyclovir is converted into, while famciclovir is another antiviral that treats similar conditions but is distinct from valacyclovir. Zostavax is a vaccine for shingles and not an antiviral medication. This contextual understanding reinforces why Valtrex is directly associated with valacyclovir in clinical practice.