Comparison of efficacy of oral valacyclovir and topical acyclovir in the treatment of herpes simplex keratitis: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

Thirty eyes of 28 patients with herpetic disease were included in the study. Group 1 patients (15 eyes of 15 subjects) received topical acyclovir (ACV) ointment. Oral valacyclovir (VACV) was prescribed to group 2 (15 eyes of 13 patients). The anterior segment of each eye was carefully examined by slit lamp and scored. Each patient was also instructed to grade his/her subjective symptoms. The corneal lesion healed significantly faster in the group 2 eyes compared to the group 1 eyes. Photophobia score on day 3 and slit-lamp score on day 10 were at significantly lower levels in group 2 compared to group 1. In herpetic keratitis, oral VACV can be a good alternative to ACV ointment therapy.

• Authors: Engin Sozen, Avni Murat Avunduk, Nurettin Akyol
• Journal: Chemotherapy (Chemotherapy) Vol. 52 Issue 1 Pg. 29-31 ( 2006) ISSN: 0009-3157 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 16340195 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Valine
• Valacyclovir
• Acyclovir

Topics

• Acyclovir (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Administration, Oral
• Administration, Topical
• Female
• Humans
• Keratitis, Herpetic (drug therapy, pathology)
• Male
• Valacyclovir
• Valine (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)