Treatment of recurrent genital herpes with topical alpha interferon gel combined with nonoxynol 9.

Abstract

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was done to evaluate the efficacy of an alpha interferon preparation in 128 patients with recurrent genital herpes. The preparation containing 10(5) or 10(7) U alpha interferon with nonoxynol 9 in a cream base (Exovir-HZ) was applied three times daily for 5 days. The treatment did not cause any adverse reactions. Patients treated with either interferon concentration became negative for viral culture at a faster rate than placebo recipients. The end of new lesion formation, scabbing, and the healing of lesions were all superior in patients treated with 10(5) U to those treated with 10(7) U interferon. End of new lesion formation and scabbing were also statistically different in patients treated with 10(7) U from those patients treated with placebo. Results suggest that topical interferon might be useful in relieving symptoms of severe cases of genital herpes.

• Authors: A E Friedman-Kien, R J Klein, R D Glaser, S M Czelusniak
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 15 Issue 5 Pt 1 Pg. 989-94 (Nov 1986) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3023457 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Drug Combinations
• Gels
• Interferon Type I
• Nonoxynol
• Polyethylene Glycols

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Combinations
• Female
• Gels
• Herpes Genitalis (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Interferon Type I (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Nonoxynol
• Polyethylene Glycols (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)