Recommendations for the management of herpes zoster.
The objective of this article is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of patients with herpes zoster (HZ) that take into account clinical efficacy, adverse effects, impact on quality of life, and costs of treatment. Systematic literature reviews, published randomized clinical trials, existing guidelines, and the authors' clinical and research experience relevant to the management of patients with HZ were reviewed at a consensus meeting. The results of controlled trials and the clinical experience of the authors support the use of acyclovir, brivudin (where available), famciclovir, and valacyclovir as first-line antiviral therapy for the treatment of patients with HZ. Specific recommendations for the use of these medications are provided. In addition, suggestions are made for treatments that, when used in combination with antiviral therapy, may further reduce pain and other complications of HZ.
Dworkin
Robert H
RH
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA. robert_dworkin@urmc.rochester.edu.
Johnson
Robert W
RW
Breuer
Judith
J
Gnann
John W
JW
Levin
Myron J
MJ
Backonja
Miroslav
M
Betts
Robert F
RF
Gershon
Anne A
AA
Haanpaa
Maija L
ML
McKendrick
Michael W
MW
Nurmikko
Turo J
TJ
Oaklander
Anne Louise
AL
Oxman
Michael N
MN
Pavan-Langston
Deborah
D
Petersen
Karin L
KL
Rowbotham
Michael C
MC
Schmader
Kenneth E
KE
Stacey
Brett R
BR
Tyring
Stephen K
SK
van Wijck
Albert J M
AJ
Wallace
Mark S
MS
Wassilew
Sawko W
SW
Whitley
Richard J
RJ
D015075:2-Aminopurine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000212:Acyclovir / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077595:Famciclovir; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D014633:Valine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000700:Analgesics; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; C020235:brivudine; D015075:2-Aminopurine; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine; D014633:Valine; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D000077595:Famciclovir; D000212:Acyclovir