Current antiviral therapy for genital herpes in non-pregnant and pregnant women

The paper determines the current features of antiviral therapy for genital herpes (GH) in non-pregnant and pregnant women and provides their clinical rationale. It is now recommended to increase the duration of acyclic nucleoside therapy for first-episode GH up to 10 days, by reducing the frequency of daily use and by choosing a drug with improved pharmacological characteristics (valacyclovir). Valacyclovir treatment for recurrences is performed within 3 days; suppressive therapy is done once daily. Such strategies are more convenient and cost-effective and should be considered as first-line options. The duration of antiviral therapy during pregnancy depends on the gestational age. The update of recommendations for antiviral therapy for GH is aimed at improving the compliance with GH treatment and its clinical efficiency. © 2018, Bionika Media Ltd. All rights reserved