Combination treatment with famciclovir and a topical corticosteroid gel versus famciclovir alone for experimental ultraviolet radiation-induced herpes simplex labialis: a pilot study.

Abstract

To investigate the efficacy of corticosteroids for the treatment of herpes labialis, we compared famciclovir (Famvir, 500 mg 3x/day po [per os] for 5 days) and topical fluocinonide (0.05% Lidex Gel 3x/day for 5 days) with famciclovir and topical vehicle control for experimental ultraviolet radiation-induced herpetic recurrences. We irradiated 49 volunteers, and 29 (60%) of 48 developed signs or symptoms of a recurrence. They self-initiated treatment, and we were able to evaluate them. There was a trend in the combination group toward more aborted lesions, compared with those who received antiviral therapy alone (7 [41%] of 17 vs. 1 [8%] of 12; P=.09). Combination therapy significantly reduced the median maximum lesion size (48 vs. 162 mm(2); P=.02) and the number of patients who experienced lesion pain (10 [59%] of 17 vs. 12 [100%] of 12; P=.02). Adverse events were minimal. Corticosteroids in combination with an antiviral agent may be safe and beneficial for episodic treatment of herpes labialis. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

• Authors: S L Spruance, M B McKeough
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 181 Issue 6 Pg. 1906-10 (Jun 2000) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10837169 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Fluocinonide
• 2-Aminopurine
• Famciclovir

Topics

• 2-Aminopurine (administration & dosage, adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Adult
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Famciclovir
• Female
• Fluocinonide (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Herpes Labialis (drug therapy, etiology, pathology)
• Humans
• Male
• Pilot Projects
• Ultraviolet Rays (adverse effects)