What medications are available for herpes simplex virus?

Sep 02, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, herpes simplex virus infection can be treated with medications that inhibit viral replication and alleviate symptoms. Patients may use the following medications as directed by their physician: Acyclovir cream, Penciclovir gel, Famciclovir tablets, Valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets, and Foscarnet sodium cream. It is also important to keep the affected area clean and dry, and to avoid scratching in order to prevent skin damage and secondary infection.

Generally, herpes simplex virus infections can be treated with medications that inhibit viral replication and alleviate symptoms. Patients should use medications such as acyclovir cream, penciclovir gel, famciclovir tablets, valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets, and sodium phosphonoformate cream according to medical advice. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Acyclovir Cream

Acyclovir belongs to the class of nucleoside antiviral drugs. It enters virus-infected cells and interferes with viral DNA polymerase, inhibiting viral DNA synthesis and thus preventing viral replication. It is suitable for treating skin and mucosal herpes simplex virus infections, such as cold sores and genital herpes, and can alleviate local symptoms such as redness and pain.

2. Penciclovir Gel

Penciclovir is also a nucleoside antiviral drug with a mechanism of action similar to acyclovir. It inhibits both herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. It has strong antiviral activity and can quickly act on the virus after application to the affected area, relieving itching and pain caused by herpes and promoting healing.

3. Famciclovir Tablets

After oral administration, famciclovir is converted in the body into penciclovir, which has antiviral activity. It prevents viral DNA synthesis and replication by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase. It is suitable for treating skin and mucosal lesions caused by herpes simplex virus infection. Especially for recurrent herpes simplex, it can reduce the frequency of outbreaks and shorten the duration of illness.

4. Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Tablets

Valacyclovir hydrochloride is a prodrug of acyclovir. After oral administration, it is rapidly converted into acyclovir in the body to exert antiviral effects. By interfering with the DNA synthesis of herpes simplex virus, it inhibits viral replication. It is indicated for infections caused by herpes simplex virus, including initial and recurrent genital herpes and cold sores.

5. Sodium Phosphonoformate Cream

Sodium phosphonoformate is a non-nucleoside antiviral drug that directly inhibits viral DNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase, acting without prior activation. It is effective against both herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. It is suitable for treating herpes simplex virus infections resistant to acyclovir, alleviating local symptoms and controlling the spread of infection.

Maintain cleanliness and dryness of the affected area in daily life, avoid scratching to prevent skin damage and secondary infection, and avoid close contact with secretions from the affected area of others to reduce the risk of viral transmission.

View All

What medications can be used for middle school students experiencing headaches and dizziness?

In general, middle school students experiencing headaches and dizziness may take medications such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, vitamin B1 tablets, compound yangjiao granules, and zinc gluconate oral solution, as directed by a physician. It is also important to develop good daily habits: ensure sufficient sleep and avoid staying up late; balance study and rest, taking a break to move around every hour of study.