Antiviral Medication for First and Recurrent Episode of Genital Herpes

Medication for the first episode of Genital Herpes

The categories of antiviral medications against the first episode of Genital Herpes (caused by HSV-2) are many. It is understood that all other medications are nucleoside analogs except foscarnet and cidofovir. The major three medications namely acyclovir, famciclovir, and valaciclovir are considered effective medications against HSV – 2. Other antiviruses mentioned above, such as cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, and valganciclovir have also helped greatly in combating the first episodes of genital herpes. These are also useful against the alpha herpes virus. They are used in special conditions such as the treatment of some acyclovir–resistant HSV isolates.

Acyclovir:

It is a prototypic antiviral agent. It activates the viral-induced enzyme thymidine kinase in the initial stages of the first episode. The activity of acyclovir against VZV is ten times less than its activity against HSV. On the other hand, Epstein Barr Virus has minimal thymidine kinase activity because of its moderate susceptibility towards acyclovir.

Mechanism of Action:

Acyclovir is known to be a deoxyguanosine analog. It has an acyclic side chain that lacks a 3 – hydroxyl group from the group of natural nucleotides. Since the missing group is required for the growth of DNA, the growth gets terminated. Hence, the viral DNA polymerase gets inactivated. This is where acyclovir comes into action. It is much more effective and a better substrate for viral polymerase instead of cellular DNA polymerase. The result is the incorporation of acyclovir into cellular DNA.

Medication for recurrent episodes of Genital Herpes:

An effective treatment for reoccurring episodes of Genital herpes is intravenous acyclovir therapy. The treatment is used when the patient encounters severe episodes of HSV or is hospitalized due to an escalated situation. A total of 5 – 10 mg/kg IV every eight hours for about 2-7 days is the recommended regimen. This may not be continued beyond 7 days which depends upon the clinical observation. Then follows an oral antiviral therapy which is to be undertaken for at least 10 days after the total therapy. HSV encephalitis is an intravenous therapy that requires a minimum of 21 days. Adjustment in the acyclovir dosage is confirmed with an impaired renal function.

Like every other medication that is synthesized, acyclovir has its own set of allergies and adverse reactions that are different in different individuals. They are not completely absent; the allergies and side effects are rare. Researchers have also found desensitization of acyclovir.

Always remember to follow your doctor's instructions.

See more Herpes dating tips