Okay so let’s be honest here — cold sores suck. They come outta nowhere, usually when you have something important going on (why always before a date or a photo or something like that???) and then boom, your lip is throbbing and it’s red and gross and hurts to even smile.
If you’ve had more than one, your doctor might’ve given you Valtrex. It’s like one of the main meds for cold sores. But if you’ve never taken it before or forgot how it works, here’s what you gotta know.
First off, what is Valtrex actually?
Valtrex (real name is valacyclovir but who can pronounce that lol) is an antiviral. It’s used to treat stuff like:
-
cold sores (HSV-1)
-
genital herpes (HSV-2)
-
and even shingles
But for cold sores, it just helps stop the virus from going wild. It won’t “cure” the herpes virus forever (you still have it in your system), but it can totally make outbreaks shorter and less painful.
So what’s the dosage for cold sores?
Alright, for adults with cold sores, the standard dosage is:
→ 2,000 mg (aka 2 grams) as soon as you feel it starting
Then:
→ another 2,000 mg, 12 hours later
So just two doses total, and that’s it. That’s called the “1-day treatment” plan. Simple but you gotta act fast.
If you wait too long — like the blister already popped up — it still might help but it’s not gonna be as good.
When to take it
You wanna take the first dose at the very beginning — like when you feel that tingle or itchiness on your lip. Not after the sore is already there and angry looking.
That little warning tingle? That’s your golden window. The earlier the better.
12 hours later, take the second dose. Don’t skip it even if you feel better already.
♀️ But wait… is that a lot of Valtrex?
Yeah it sounds like a lot — 2 grams is more than the doses used for other stuff — but it’s just for one day. It’s safe when taken as prescribed. The key is don’t take more thinking it’ll make the cold sore vanish faster. Doesn’t work like that and could mess up your kidneys.
ALWAYS drink water with it, like a full glass at least. Valtrex goes through your kidneys, so you don’t want to get dehydrated.
What if I missed the 12 hour second dose?
Ok so… try not to. But if you miss it by a little, still take it. Just don’t double up or take both at once — that’s not good.
If it’s been way more than 12 hours, like it’s already the next day, prob just let your doc know and see what they say. Or wait for the next outbreak and catch it earlier.
Can I take Valtrex every time I get a cold sore?
Yeah, totally. If you only get a few outbreaks a year, you can take it as needed, just like this — 2,000mg twice in one day, each time.
Some ppl who get a LOT of cold sores (like more than 6–7 times a year??) — they sometimes go on a daily low-dose plan. But that’s not for everyone and it’s something your doctor has to decide.
Anything else that helps?
Yeah! Valtrex is great but you can also help cold sores heal faster by:
-
using lip balm with SPF (sun triggers cold sores for a lot of people)
-
don’t touch or pick at it (I know it’s hard)
-
don’t kiss anyone or share cups/utensils while it’s active
-
drink water and rest (your immune system needs backup)
Also, stress = cold sore magnet. Easier said than done, but try to chill when you feel that tingle start.
What NOT to do
-
don’t take more Valtrex than prescribed. Seriously. Not gonna help.
-
don’t share your meds
-
don’t wait days after the sore appears to start taking it
-
don’t freak out — it’s just a cold sore, it sucks but it’s not the end of the world
Do I need a prescription?
Yep. Valtrex isn’t over the counter, so you’ll need a doctor to prescribe it. Some online pharmacies or telehealth sites do it quick though, esp if you already know what you need.
If you get cold sores regularly, ask your doc for an as-needed refill, so you can just keep some on hand and take it right when the tingle starts. Makes life easier.
TLDR Recap
-
Valtrex dosage for cold sores in adults:
2,000mg at the start, then another 2,000mg 12 hours later -
Only take it for 1 day unless your doctor says otherwise
-
Works best when you take it early, during the “tingle” stage
-
Drink water with it
-
Don’t double dose or keep taking it days later
-
Ask your doc if you get cold sores often — there’s other options too
Disclaimer
I’m not a doctor btw — this is just based on general info and personal experience. Always talk to your own doctor before starting or changing any meds. Cold sores are common but everyone’s situation is different, so def get professional advice if you’re unsure. Don’t self-medicate based off random stuff you read on the internet .