herpes symptoms : Antiviral Drugs For Herpes Treatment part1

The major drugs developed to work against herpes simplex virus (HSV) are antiviral agents called nucleosides and nucleotide analogues, which block viral reproduction. They include acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir).

The antiviral medications available in pill form have been specifically developed for the treatment of genital herpes. Antiviral medications may significantly lessen the severity of a primary outbreak and reduce the time it takes genital herpes outbreaks to heal. The medication also decreases the number of days of painful symptoms and for some people, the number of days you can spread the virus. Antiviral medication is most effective if it is taken when you first notice the prodromal symptoms (tingling and pain) of a recurrent genital herpes outbreak and if they are taken for the next 5 to 7 days or until symptoms go away. Some people with frequent recurrent outbreaks (more than 6 recurrences a year) take antiviral medication every day (suppressive therapy) to help reduce the frequency and duration of recurrent outbreaks.

Brief History


Acyclovir (brand name Zovirax) is the oldest of the antiviral medications. It has been available since 1982 in a topical form (as an ointment) and sold since 1985 in pill form. Now acyclovir is available in a generic form.

Valtrex (valacyclovir) was the second antiviral medication to come to market in the United States, and it was approved by the FDA in December 15, 1995. Valtrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Valtrex is a prodrug of acyclovir, meaning that the body converts it to acyclovir after it has been absorbed. This medication delivers acyclovir more efficiently so that the body absorbs much of the drug, which has the advantage of taking the medication fewer times during the day.

Famvir (famciclovir) is a prodrug manufactured by Novartis. When taken, the body converts it to the long-acting antiviral drug penciclovir. Like valacyclovir, it is well absorbed, persists for a longer time in the body, and can be taken less frequently than acyclovir.

By Yury Bayarski