Which antiviral agent is effective in treating herpes simplex infections?

Which antiviral agent is effective in treating herpes simplex infections?

Acyclovir is the antiviral most commonly used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. Other oral medications include famciclovir, which is a prodrug that is converted to penciclovir, and valacyclovir, which is a prodrug that is converted to acyclovir.

What antiviral medication is used for herpes?

There are three major drugs commonly used to treat genital herpes symptoms: acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These are all taken in pill form. Severe cases may be treated with the intravenous (IV) drug acyclovir.

Can using antiviral drugs can cure herpes simplex virus?

There is no cure for herpes. Antiviral medications can, however, prevent or shorten outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. In addition, daily suppressive therapy (i.e. daily use of antiviral medication) for herpes can reduce the likelihood of transmission to partners.

How effective are HSV antivirals?

When it comes to preventing the transmission of herpes, valacyclovir can be helpful but shouldn’t be relied on as a 100% effective solution. Study data shows that people with symptomatic herpes who take valacyclovir are almost 50% less likely to transmit the virus to others than non-medicated people with herpes.

Does valtrex work for hsv1?

Valtrex is prescribed by doctors to treat herpes virus infections. It can help relieve symptoms that come from herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2). It can also help relieve symptoms from the varicella zoster and herpes zoster viruses.

Can I take valacyclovir daily?

Valacyclovir, taken daily, reduces the number of outbreaks a person experiences and the number of days that someone sheds the virus asymptomatically.

Should I take valacyclovir daily?

Treatment with suppressive therapy The PDR states that for suppressive therapy of recurrent herpes genitalis in all patients valacyclovir 1 gram (1000 mg) should be taken once daily.

Which is better Valtrex or acyclovir?

Official Answer. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir (Zovirax) are antiviral drugs that work by interfering with viral DNA replication. Both drugs target the same viruses but valacyclovir provides longer duration of action, therefore, doses can be taken fewer times every day – this is the only real advantage.