What Is the Usual Treatment for First-episode Genital Herpes?
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is the antiviral agent prescribed most often to patients (both pregnant and non-pregnant) with first-episode genital herpes. While acyclovir is typically administered orally, some patients should be treated intravenously (those who are hospitalized due to severe complications). Significant clinical improvement has been reported in pregnant women who have had complications caused by herpes, such as pneumonitis, hepatitis, meningitis, or encephalitis when they are given intravenous therapy. As a general rule, topical acyclovir is considered ineffective for either primary or recurrent infection. A related drug, valacyclovir (Valtrex), is increasingly prescribed instead of acyclovir since it is closely related to acyclovir, but has to be taken fewer times during the day.
