Cialis

Antiviral medicines for genital herpes

Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are antiviral medicines used to treat genital herpes. All are effective, but because valacyclovir and famciclovir are absorbed better by the stomach, they can be taken less often than acyclovir. Antiviral medicines are usually taken by mouth (orally), although they are sometimes given intravenously (IV) in severe genital herpes outbreaks or herpes in newborns.

The topical form of acyclovir (Zovirax ointment) offers little benefit in the treatment of genital herpes and is not recommended.
How It Works

Antiviral medicines stop the growth of the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Why It Is Used

Antiviral medicines may be given to:

    * People who are having a primary outbreak of genital herpes.
    * People who have frequent (about 6 or more a year) recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes.
    * People who want to decrease the length and severity of their recurrent outbreaks.
    * People who want to decrease the possibility of unintentionally transmitting the virus. Genital herpes is more likely to be transmitted during the first year of infection, even though a person may not have symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak.
    * Pregnant women who are having a primary outbreak of genital herpes.
    * Women in the last 4 weeks of their pregnancy who are having frequent recurrent outbreaks.
    * People who have impaired immune systems and recurrent outbreaks.

Side effects:
Side effects include:

    * Headache, lightheadedness, or feelings of general illness (malaise).
    * Nausea and vomiting.
    * Decreased appetite or abdominal pain.
    * Joint pain.
    * Diarrhea or constipation (rare).
    * Kidney problems in people who receive large doses of intravenous acyclovir (rare).

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About

Treatment with antiviral medicines may reduce the length of time a person is able to transmit the genital herpes virus to others. Abstain from sexual contact while you are being treated for symptoms of an outbreak of genital herpes.

The effectiveness of the antiviral medicines acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) is equal in studies done so far.

Acyclovir is available in a generic form, which is less expensive. Taking any antiviral medicine on a daily basis may be expensive.

Taking antiviral medicine for a primary genital herpes outbreak does not keep genital herpes outbreaks from recurring.

People taking antiviral medicine every day (suppressive therapy) may want to talk to their doctor about whether they should stop taking the medicine for a short period each year . This can help determine whether genital herpes outbreaks recur as frequently. They can then decide whether they need to continue taking medicine. People who have six or more outbreaks per year may benefit from taking antiviral medicine every day.

People who have problems with their kidneys need to take a lower dose of acyclovir (Zovirax).

In rare cases, the genital herpes virus has developed a resistance to some antiviral medicines. This is more likely to occur in people who have impaired immune systems and who have taken antiviral medicines for an extended period. Other antiviral medicines are available in these cases, although they must be given intravenously (IV) and may not be as safe.