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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Outbreak requires antiviral treatment. Mild outbreaks can often clear on their own without consequence, including the occasional cold sore. The decision to treat is ultimately based on whether this is a first outbreak or a recurrence. The frequency and severity of your recurrences are also considered.In people with recurrent herpes, antivirals can be given daily to prevent outbreaks (referred to as prophylactic therapy). Keeping herpes under control also reduces the risk of infecting others. This is especially true for herpes infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with advanced HIV. In these individuals, herpes can sometimes spread (disseminate) to other organs. In such cases, antiviral drugs are injected directly into the bloodstream, or intravenously. Types of Antiviral Drugs There are three oral antivirals recommended for the treatment of oral or genital herpes: FamciclovirValtrex (valacyclovir)Zovirax (acyclovir) Additionally, three topical antivirals can be used to treat recurrent oral herpes: Denavir (penciclovir) creamXerese (acyclovir + hydrocortisone) creamZovirax (acyclovir) creamAntivirals Heal Herpes Sores FasterStudies have shown that if started within 48 hours of the first appearance of lesions, antivirals can reduce the duration of oral herpes by one to two days. Antivirals can also shorten the course of a first genital herpes outbreak by up to 50%. Dosage Recommendations The dosage of antiviral used to treat genital herpes can vary depending on whether this is your first outbreak or a recurrence. The dosage is also adjusted if used to prevent a recurrence. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued the following dosing schedule—in grams (g) and milligrams (mg)—for adults with primary genital herpes. CDC Recommendations for First Episode Drug and DoseFrequencyDurationZovirax, 400 mgThree times per day7 to 10 daysFamciclovir, 250 mgThree times per day7 to 10 daysValtrex, 1gTwice per day7 to 10 days The CDC issued the following dosing schedule for adults with recurrent genital herpes. CDC Recommendations for Recurrent Episodes Drug and DoseFrequencyDurationZovirax, 800 mgTwice daily5 daysZovirax, 800 mgThree times per day2 daysValtrex, 500 mgTwice daily3 daysValtrex, 1gOnce per day5 daysFamciclovir, 125 mgTwice daily5 daysFamciclovir, 1gTwice daily1 dayFamciclovir, 500 mg + 250 mgOnce/Twice daily1 day/2 days The CDC issued the
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