A blue, capsule-shaped pill with '86' on one side and 'I' on the other is typically a 500 mg dose of Valacyclovir.
Identifying the Blue Pill with '86'
The blue, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablet marked with an 'I' on one side and '86' on the other is a 500 mg strength of Valacyclovir. This medication is an antiviral drug prescribed to treat various viral infections.
Key Characteristics
To help identify this specific medication, here's a summary of its distinguishing physical attributes:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Blue |
| Shape | Capsule-shaped |
| Markings | 'I' on one side |
| '86' on the other | |
| Strength | 500 mg |
| Coating | Film-coated |
About Valacyclovir
Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that works by preventing the growth and spread of certain viruses in the body. It is commonly prescribed for the following conditions:
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Used to treat outbreaks of cold sores (oral herpes) and genital herpes. It can also be prescribed to suppress recurrent outbreaks.
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Administered to manage shingles, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus responsible for chickenpox).
- Chickenpox: In some instances, it may be used to treat chickenpox in adults and children.
It is important to understand that Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication, not an antibiotic. It does not cure herpes or shingles; instead, it helps to manage symptoms, reduce the severity of outbreaks, and accelerate healing.
When using Valacyclovir, always adhere strictly to the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare professional. For example, supplemental doses of Valacyclovir tablets are typically not required following specific dialysis procedures such as continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration dialysis (CAVHD).
