Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection
- Acyclovir/valacyclovir/famciclovir are standard drugs
- Start early for first episode or severe disease
- Suppressive therapy reduces recurrent genital outbreaks
- Severe/disseminated/CNS disease → IV acyclovir
- Renal dosing/hydration matter with acyclovir
- Antivirals suppress HSV; they do not eradicate latency
Use at a glance
- Acyclovir/valacyclovir/famciclovir are standard drugs
Treatment options
- Suppressive therapy reduces recurrent genital outbreaks
Practical pearls
- Start early for first episode or severe disease
- Severe/disseminated/CNS disease → IV acyclovir
- Renal dosing/hydration matter with acyclovir
Safety / pitfalls
- Antivirals suppress HSV; they do not eradicate latency
Self-check
- When do antivirals start for first-episode or severe HSV?
Early. - Do antivirals eradicate HSV latency?
No—they suppress HSV.
Drugs used for this (3)
All clinical uses · Open Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in the interactive console ↗