ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/valacyclovir
US brand names:Valtrex
Valacyclovir is dosed at 40 mg/kg PO q24h in eastern box turtles, per 4. Allender MC, Mitchell MA, Yarborough J, et al. Pharmocokinetics of a single oral dose of acyclovir and valacyclovir in North American box turtles (Terrapene sp.). J Vet Pharmacol Therap. 2012;36:205-208. — Source: Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd Ed, p.1404 — SOURCE EDITION: Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery (Divers & Stahl) — ISBN 9780323482530, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323482530. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Prodrug rapidly converted to acyclovir. Triphosphorylated form inhibits viral DNA polymerase and causes chain termination. Active against herpesviruses.
TOXIC TO CATS — causes acute hepatic necrosis and fatal bone marrow suppression. Dogs tolerate well. Ensure adequate hydration.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Eastern Box Turtle drugs
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| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | CONTRAINDICATED IN CATS | N/A | Strong | Nasisse MP, Dorman DC, Jamison KC, Weigler BJ, Hawkins EC, Stevens JB. Effects of valacyclovir in cats infected with feline herpesvivus 1. Am J Vet Res. 1997;58:1141-1144. doi:10.2460/ajvr.1997.58.10.1141 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1316 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1289, Valacyclovir monograph spanning p.1289-1290; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.