Topical undecylenic acid for herpes simplex labialis: a multicenter, placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract

A multicenter, patient-initiated, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 15% undecylenic acid cream was conducted with 573 patients with recurrent herpes labialis. Treatment was applied 5 or 6 times daily until crusting and then thrice daily until healing. Patients were assessed daily until 48 h after crusting and then every other day until healing. Undecylenic acid significantly reduced the incidence and duration of viral shedding and the duration and severity of itching but did not increase abortive episodes or reduce times to healing, crusting, or progression of lesion size. When treatment was initiated during the prodrome, the time to crusting was reduced (P = .02) and the area under the symptom-time curve for pain and tenderness was reduced, approaching statistical significance (P = .06). Active treatment was well tolerated but caused dysgeusia and local irritation. Undecylenic acid 15% cream reduces viral shedding in recurrent herpes labialis, but clinical benefits are minimal and largely restricted to patients initiating therapy during the prodrome.

• Authors: S D Shafran, S L Sacks, F Y Aoki, D L Tyrrell, W F Schlech 3rd, J Mendelson, D Rosenthal, M J Gill, R L Bader, I Chang
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 176 Issue 1 Pg. 78-83 (Jul 1997) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9207352 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Undecylenic Acids

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Aged
• Antiviral Agents (administration & dosage)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Herpes Labialis (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Undecylenic Acids (administration & dosage, adverse effects)