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[Antiherpetic chemotherapy]
1Department of Virology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|April 25, 2000
Summary
Acyclovir revolutionized anti-herpetic chemotherapy. New prodrugs like valaciclovir and famciclovir offer expanded treatment options for herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus infections.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Virology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Context:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections have been managed with antiviral agents for decades.
- Idoxuridine, vidarabine, and acyclovir represent established therapies in Japan.
- The evolution of anti-herpetic chemotherapy is ongoing.
Purpose:
- To review the mechanism of action and clinical efficacy of acyclovir.
- To introduce newer anti-herpetic prodrugs, valaciclovir and famciclovir.
- To compare the characteristics of existing and emerging anti-herpetic chemotherapies.
Summary:
- Acyclovir significantly advanced anti-herpetic chemotherapy through its unique mechanism and effectiveness.
- Valaciclovir and famciclovir, prodrugs of acyclovir and penciclovir respectively, are emerging as important additions to antiviral treatment regimens.
- This review details the pharmacological actions, comparative efficacy, and recent developments in anti-herpetic drug therapy.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of anti-herpetic drug development.
- Facilitates informed clinical decisions regarding antiviral therapy for HSV and VZV.
- Highlights the therapeutic advancements in managing herpesvirus infections.