Abstract
Herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2 (HSV-1 and -2) are two of the three human alphaherpesviruses that cause infections worldwide. Since both viruses can be acquired in the absence of visible signs and symptoms, yet still result in lifelong infection, it is imperative that we provide interventions to keep them at bay, especially in immunocompromised patients. While numerous experimental vaccines are under consideration, current intervention consists solely of antiviral chemotherapeutic agents. This review explores all of the clinically approved drugs used to prevent the worst sequelae of recurrent outbreaks by these viruses.
Keywords:
HSV-1; HSV-2; acyclovir; amenamevir; cidofovir; docosanol; foscarnet; ganciclovir; nelfinavir; vidarabine.
MeSH terms
-
Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
-
Antiviral Agents / pharmacokinetics
-
Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
-
Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
-
Biological Availability
-
DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism
-
Drug Resistance, Viral
-
Herpes Simplex / drug therapy*
-
Herpes Simplex / virology
-
Herpesvirus 1, Human / drug effects*
-
Herpesvirus 2, Human / drug effects*
-
Humans
-
Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / adverse effects
-
Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics
-
Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
-
Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
-
Virus Attachment / drug effects
-
Virus Internalization / drug effects
Substances
-
Antiviral Agents
-
Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors
-
DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase