NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

Valacyclovir offers what advantage over acyclovir?

1. More effective

2. Less nephrotoxic

3. Less frequent dosing

4. No renal adjustment needed

The correct answer is: Less frequent dosing

Valacyclovir offers the advantage of less frequent dosing. While both Valacyclovir and Acyclovir are effective in treating herpes viruses, Valacyclovir is more potent and therefore requires less frequent dosing. Option A is incorrect because while Valacyclovir may be considered more effective due to its higher potency, that is not the specific advantage being asked about in this question. Option B is incorrect because Valacyclovir is actually more nephrotoxic than Acyclovir. Option D is incorrect because renal adjustment may still be required in certain situations, such as in patients with renal impairment. Therefore, the clear advantage of Valacyclovir over Acyclovir is the need for less frequent dosing.