Author/Editor		Heller-Vitouch, C; Hoerner, M; Ziegler, C; Soeltz-Szoets, J
Title		Advances in the therapy of genital herpes
Type		članek
Source		Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannon Adriat
Vol. and No.		Letnik 4, št. 3
Publication year		1995
Volume		str. 113-16
Language		eng
Abstract		In industrial countries, herpes simplex is the most common cause of genital ulcerations. Over the past 15 years, Acyclovir has become established as standard therapy for the management of this viral infection. Since Acyclovir acts specifically on virus infected cells, no cytopathogenic effects are observed on cells not affected by the virus. Thus Acyclovir shows the features of an "ideal pharmacon". Few cases of resistant strains were observed in immunocompromised patients. Major problems arise from the poor absorption rate of Acyclovir after oral ingestion as well as the specific dosage regimens requiring five applications daily. Meantime two succeeding antiviral agents are provided, Valaciclovir and Famciclovir. Both of them have markedly higher bio-availability after oral administration than Acyclovir. Ganciclovir and Foscarnet are alternative agents which are given in selected cases only because of thir serious side effects. Still Acyclovir is the antiviral drug of choice in the treatment of genital herpes. Possibly it will be replaced in the future by orally administred nucleoside analogues of better bio-availability.
Descriptors		HERPES GENITALIS ACYCLOVIR GANCICLOVIR