title: Valacyclovir in the treatment of facial herpes simplex virus infection.
abstract: The objective of this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, noninferiority trial was to investigate valacyclovir as treatment for facial herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreaks. In total, 308 otherwise healthy outpatients self-initiated therapy with valacyclovir, either 1000 mg twice daily for 1 day or 500 mg twice daily for 3 days, for treatment of one facial HSV episode. Aborted lesions were the primary end point. Secondary end points included episode and pain resolution and lesion healing. By regimen (1 or 3 days), aborted lesions occurred in 42.2% versus 46.7% of patients, treatment difference, -4.5% (95% confidence interval, -16.3% to 7.4%; P=.49). Subgroup findings showed that about half the episodes aborted when therapy started during the prodrome/macule stages or within 6 h of first symptoms. Episode and pain resolved rapidly, with results similar for both treatments. Adverse events were infrequent and similar for the two regimens.
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003718:Denmark; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008097:Lithuania; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D014633:Valine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D011355:Prodrugs; D014633:Valine; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D000212:Acyclovir