Flushnil
Flushnil is an antiviral medicine that kills or stops the growth of certain viruses like herpes simplex (HSV), varicella zoster (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
500 mg
Active Ingredient
Valaciclovir hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Sandoz A/S
How to Use
Dosage
The usual dose for shingles is 1000 mg (two 500 mg tablets) three times a day.
Method
Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water at the same time each day, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Important
For certain conditions like CMV prevention, the maximum daily dose can be 8000 mg (four 500 mg tablets, four times a day). Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Headache
- •Nausea (feeling sick)
- •Dizziness
- •Vomiting (being sick)
- •Diarrhea
- •Skin reaction after sun exposure (light sensitivity)
- •Rash
- •Itching
RARE
- •Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with symptoms like flushing, itchy rash, swelling of the lips, face, throat causing breathing difficulties (angioedema), and a drop in blood pressure leading to collapse
- •Confusion
- •Seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
- •Feeling extremely drowsy or sleepy
- •Shaking (tremors)
- •Agitation
- •Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- •Stomach discomfort
- •Rash, sometimes itchy, like hives (urticaria)
- •Lower back pain (kidney pain)
- •Blood in urine (hematuria)
- •Decrease in white blood cells (leukopenia)
- •Decrease in platelets (cells that help blood clot) (thrombocytopenia)
- •Increase in substances produced in the liver
- •Unsteady walking and lack of coordination (ataxia)
- •Slow, slurred speech (dysarthria)
- •Seizures (convulsions)
- •Changes in brain function (encephalopathy)
- •Unconsciousness (coma)
- •Confused or restless thoughts (delirium)
- •Kidney problems, with little or no urine production
- •Inflammation in the kidneys (tubulointerstitial nephritis)
Important Warnings
- Do not use Flushnil if you are allergic to valaciclovir, acyclovir, or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Stop taking Flushnil and see a doctor right away if you develop a widespread rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, high liver enzyme levels, and/or an increase in white blood cells (eosinophilia). This is a serious condition called DRESS syndrome.
- Talk to your doctor before taking Flushnil if you have kidney or liver disease, are over 65 years old, or have a weak immune system.
- If you are taking Flushnil for genital herpes, use condoms and practice safe sex to prevent spreading the infection. Do not have sex if you have sores or blisters on your genitals.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines that affect your kidneys.
Show 2 more warnings
- Flushnil can affect your ability to drive or use machines. Do not drive or use machines if you feel unwell or are unsure how the medicine affects you.
- Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including over-the-counter or herbal remedies.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category A
Suitable for older adults. Reduce the dose and/or increase the dosing interval in severe renal impairment. (updated 4.12.2023)