Suppression of recurrent genital herpes with oral acyclovir

Peroral acyclovir has been used as long-term prophylactic treatment for frequent recurrences of genital herpes in four clinical studies comprising 172 patients. At a daily dose of 600 to 1 000 mg it seems to be effective in preventing recurrences in a majority of patients. The treatment does not prevent recurrences after the medication is stopped. The treatment seems to be safe for periods up to 4 months. At present it should be used only in carefully selected cases with seriously debilitating symptoms to prevent recurrences during a short period.