RT Journal
A1 Cernik C, Gallina K, Brodell RT
T1 The treatment of herpes simplex infections: An evidence-based review
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2008
FD June 9
VO 168
IS 11
SP 1137
OP 1144
DO 10.1001/archinte.168.11.1137
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.168.11.1137
AB Genital and labial herpes simplex virus infections are frequently encountered by primary care physicians in the United States. Whereas the diagnosis of this condition is often straightforward, choosing an appropriate drug (eg, acyclovir, valacyclovir hydrochloride, or famciclovir) and dosing regimen can be confusing in view of (1) competing clinical approaches to therapy; (2) evolving dosing schedules based on new research; (3) approved regimens of the Food and Drug Administration that may not match recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or of other experts; and (4) dissimilar regimens for oral and genital infections. The physician must first choose an approach to treatment (ie, intermittent episodic therapy, intermittent suppressive therapy, or chronic suppressive therapy) based on defined clinical characteristics and patient preference. Then, an evidence-based dosing regimen must be selected. In this review, data from all sources are tabulated to provide a handy clinical reference.