Short-course oral antiviral treatment for recurrent genital herpes.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the literature regarding short-course oral therapy for recurrent genital herpes.


METHODS
Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-March 2003), IOWA Drug Information Service (1966-March 2003), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1966-March 2003).


RESULTS
Data are available describing short-course (2 or 3 d) therapy with acyclovir and valacyclovir. Short-course acyclovir therapy was superior to placebo. Three- and 5-day regimens of valacyclovir were equivalent. Early initiation of therapy may be more important than duration of therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
More head-to-head studies are needed to determine the most efficacious and cost-effective short-course regimens for recurrent genital herpes.
Sharp
Randall P
RP
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, OK, USA. sharpr@swosu.edu
Gales
Barry J
BJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D055502:Secondary Prevention
D000998:Antiviral Agents