Valaciclovir in the treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster infections

Cutaneous and mucosal infections caused by herpes viruses are very common. Oral acyclovir is the most frequently used in the treatment of these infections, but due to very low bioavailability, it should be administered in high and multiple daily doses. Valaciclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir and is characterized by significantly higher bioavailability and better pharmacokinetic properties. This enables more comfortable dosing. Multiple clinical trials have proved the efficacy of valaciclovir in the treatment of primary and recurrent genital herpes. Very comfortable, one-day regimen treatment also inhibits the symptoms of herpes labialis. Valaciclovir is also used in suppressive therapy, which prevents the recurrence of herpetic lesions. Clinical trials have shown similar efficacy of valaciclovir and acyclovir in the treatment of herpes simplex infections. Valaciclovir also proved to be more effective in the treatment of herpes zoster infections, especially in reducing the symptoms of postherpetic neuralgias. Valaciclovir is very safe, and the risk of serious adverse events is very low. Convenient dosing improves patients’ compliance. In this paper we summarize the current knowledge on indications and therapeutic implications of valaciclovir in the treatment of viral skin infections.