acyclovir: how often should it be used? - Editorial | Journal of Family ...
Since the early 1980s, multiple studies have shown the efficacy of acyclovir in the treatment of primary, recurrent, and life-threatening herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 infections.[1-8] Furthermore, recent studies have shown the efficacy of acyclovir in the treatment of uncomplicated and severe varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections.[9-13] Any discussion on the use of acyclovir in the treatment of these infections requires an honest assessment of the benefit-to-risk ratio of treatment within the context of any unique characteristics in the individual who is infected. In this issue of The Journal, Spangler and colleagues[14] discuss the uses of acyclovir in pregnancy. The reluctance of funding agencies to support research during pregnancy has resulted in a lack of randomized trials to develop definitive recommendations for the use of acyclovir in pregnancy. However, available data enable physicians to make reasonable decisions in several circumstances.