Unistat : herpes medication
http://dermatology.about.com/cs/genitalherpes/a/herptreat.htm
Genital Herpes Treatment Considerations
There are medications available to treat genital herpes infections and prevent recurrent infections. However, none of the drugs get rid of the virus. Herpes cannot be "cured." The decision to use one treatment over another for genital herpes depends on many factors that must be discussed with your health care provider.
Initial or Recurrent Genital Herpes Outbreaks
One of the major factors determining treatment is whether a person
has had a genital herpes outbreak in the past. The first episode
of genital herpes is usually the worst and accompanied by other
general symptoms that make a person feel unwell. Recurrent
episodes of genital herpes are generally not as painful and do not
last as long.
Another factor that determines treatment is the frequency of herpes outbreaks. People who have more than 6 outbreaks per year should discuss suppressive therapy with their health care provider. With suppressive therapy, a person takes medication every day to reduce the number of outbreaks. Over time the frequency of outbreaks decreases in many people; therefore, people on suppressive therapy should periodically discuss the risks and benefits of stopping daily medication with their health care provider.
Genital Herpes and a Compromised Immune System
People with compromised immune systems because of
HIV/AIDS, leukemia, transplantation, and long-term
corticosteroid use are at risk for more severe herpes
infections. The herpes simplex virus in these people may
be resistant to older antiviral treatments; therefore,
other medications than the ones given here may need to be
used.
Genital Herpes and Pregnancy
Women who have a herpes outbreak in the third trimester or
at delivery are at greater risk of transmitting the herpes
simplex virus to their babies. Certain antiviral drugs are
considered safe to use in pregnancy while the safety of
others has not been determined. Any woman who is pregnant
should report to her health care provider current or past
symptoms that she feels may be herpes.
Genital Herpes Medications
The specific medications and their doses are listed here.