title: Idoxuridine in herpes zoster: further evaluation of intermittent topical therapy.
abstract: In a randomized double-blind controlled trial of the value of intermittent topical idoxuridine in treating herpes zoster in 118 patients idoxuridine 5% in 100% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), applied four-hourly for four days, significantly shortened the vesicular phase, healing time, and duration of pain; idoxuridine 25% applied two-hourly produced no greater benefit. The only side effects were transient tender erythema in three patients and "urticarial" oedema in two patients with dermographia.
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced; D006400:Hematocrit; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007065:Idoxuridine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D012882:Skin Tests; D014508:Urea / Q000097:blood; D014581:Urticaria / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D014508:Urea; D007065:Idoxuridine; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide