Treatment of recurrent genital herpes with topical alpha interferon gel combined with nonoxynol 9.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was done to evaluate the efficacy of an alpha interferon preparation in 128 patients with recurrent genital herpes. The preparation containing 10(5) or 10(7) U alpha interferon with nonoxynol 9 in a cream base (Exovir-HZ) was applied three times daily for 5 days. The treatment did not cause any adverse reactions. Patients treated with either interferon concentration became negative for viral culture at a faster rate than placebo recipients. The end of new lesion formation, scabbing, and the healing of lesions were all superior in patients treated with 10(5) U to those treated with 10(7) U interferon. End of new lesion formation and scabbing were also statistically different in patients treated with 10(7) U from those patients treated with placebo. Results suggest that topical interferon might be useful in relieving symptoms of severe cases of genital herpes.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D017137:Nonoxynol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D005782:Gels; D007370:Interferon Type I; D017137:Nonoxynol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols