Genital Herpes: Medications

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Medications

Antiviral medicines are the recommended treatment for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection.

Medication Choices

Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex)

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

What To Think About

People taking antiviral medicine every day (suppressive therapy) may want to talk to their doctor about not 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.

Antiviral medicines for genital herpes work best when they are taken as soon as symptoms are noticed. For that reason, people with herpes should keep a supply of the medicine on hand.

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is most commonly used for pregnant women. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) also may be used during pregnancy.^{6 7}

People with impaired immune systems may be more likely to:

• Need daily antiviral medicine to prevent recurrent outbreaks.
• Develop a resistance to some antiviral medicines. Other antivirals are available in these cases, although they must be given through a vein (intravenously, or IV) and can have dangerous side effects.

Last updated:	January 18, 2007
Author:	Ralph Poore
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC