Penciclovir: new preparation. Slightly effective.

Abstract

(1) A penciclovir skin cream has been approved in France for local treatment of herpes simplex labialis. (2) The clinical file is limited to a single trial versus the excipient. This double-blind trial showed that, even when started immediately after the first manifestations occur, penciclovir cream failed to prevent the emergence of skin lesions. The only effect was a reduction in the duration of the lesions and associated pain by a few hours. In the absence of any specific assessment, there is no evidence that penciclovir improves overall patient satisfaction. (3) Penciclovir has not been compared with aciclovir skin cream.

• Journal: Prescrire international (Prescrire Int) Vol. 8 Issue 44 Pg. 178 (Dec 1999) ISSN: 1167-7422 [Print] France
• PMID: 11503816 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Acyclovir

Topics

• Acyclovir (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Herpes Labialis (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Treatment Outcome