Double‐Blind Study Comparing 2 Dosages of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Herpes Zoster in Immunocompromised Patients 18 Years of Age and Older

Abstract

A dosage of 1 g of valacyclovir 3 times per day (TID) for 7 days has already been shown to be superior to an oral dosage of 800 mg acyclovir 5 times per day for 7 days in immunocompetent individuals. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of an oral dosage of valacyclovir, 1 g TID versus 2 g TID, for the treatment of herpes zoster in immunocompromised patients > or =18 years of age. The oral dosage schedule of 2 g of valacyclovir TID reaches acyclovir plasma levels similar to those achieved with intravenous acyclovir therapy given to immunocompromised patients (10 mg/kg every 8 h for 7 days). In this double-blind study, 87 immunocompromised patients with clinical evidence of localized herpes zoster were randomized to receive oral valacyclovir therapy for 7 days, either 1 g TID or 2 g TID, within 72 h after onset of zoster rash. Patients were seen and assessed for cutaneous healing, zoster-associated pain (ZAP), and/or zoster-associated abnormal sensations (ZAAS), up to 24 weeks. Participants in both arms of the study demonstrated similar median times to full crusting of the rash (8 days), and both dosages were safe and effective therapies for reduction of ZAP and ZAAS in the immunocompromised patient population.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of valacyclovir prophylaxis to prevent zoster recurrence from months 4 to 24 after BMT

“…Several single arm trials have been reported in the interim showing equivalent tolerance and/or efficacy at doses ranging between 3 and 8 g daily for up to 30 days. [27][28][29][30] Published experience with VACV in an extended prophylaxis setting remains limited. 31,32 VACV 500 mg twice daily has been given preferentially over ACV to patients with intensive steroid exposure for the prevention of VZV by the Seattle group.…”

A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate Valacyclovir Alone and with Aspirin for Asymptomatic HSV-1 DNA Shedding in Human Tears and Saliva

“…VCV is a treatment choice for many viral infections, such as genital herpes and cold sores, and has been reported to reduce HSV-2 DNA shedding in genital herpes 18,20,21,32. In this investigation, we assessed the effect of VCV, a frequently used antiviral for HSV infection, at a dose of 500 mg daily (alone) or in combination with aspirin, a COX inhibitor, where the aspirin was administered at 350 mg twice daily.…”

“…Antivirals, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir, cidofovir, foscarnet, and penciclovir, have been used to reduce HSV DNA shedding in humans and animal models 2,18–28. Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir have been reported to decrease HSV-2 shedding in normal and immunocompromised individuals 20,29–32.…”

Different Acupuncture for Neurodynia and Skin Lesions with Acute Herpes Zoster

“…Varicella zoster viruses are almost lurked in spinal nerve root, namely locate in Du meridian and Jiaji points. In here, the partial skin lesions, painful place and relevant Jiaji points of ganglion are where pathogenic factors exist in, which could be thought as an Ashi point storing herpes zoster [19]. Jiaji point locates in between Du meridian and Sun meridians of foot, we can regulate the Yang-Heavy of Du meridian, Sun meridians of foot and the whole body, which makes it to reach the objective of regulation of meridians and collaterals and viscera.…”