To evaluate the literature regarding short-course oral therapy for recurrent genital herpes.
DATA SOURCES:
Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–March 2003), IOWA Drug Information Service (1966–March 2003), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1966–March 2003).
DATA SYNTHESIS: Data are available describing short-course (2 or 3 d) therapy with acyclovir and valacyclovir. Short-course acyclovir therapy was superior to placebo. Three- and 5-day regimens of valacyclovir were equivalent. Early initiation of therapy may be more important than duration of therapy.
CONCLUSIONS:
More head-to-head studies are needed to determine the most efficacious and cost-effective short-course regimens for recurrent genital herpes.
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