Abstract
The recommended treatment for herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) remains intravenous acyclovir. In resource-poor countries, however, intravenous formulations are usually unavailable or unaffordable. We report the penetration of acyclovir into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with HSE, treated with the oral prodrug valacyclovir at 1,000 mg three times daily. The oral therapy achieved adequate acyclovir concentrations in the CSF and may be an acceptable early treatment for suspected HSE in resource-limited settings.
Publication types
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Clinical Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Acyclovir / analogs & derivatives*
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Acyclovir / blood
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Acyclovir / cerebrospinal fluid
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Acyclovir / pharmacokinetics
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Acyclovir / therapeutic use
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Antiviral Agents / blood
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Antiviral Agents / cerebrospinal fluid
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Antiviral Agents / pharmacokinetics*
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Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
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Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / blood
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Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / drug therapy*
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Valacyclovir
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Valine / analogs & derivatives*
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Valine / blood
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Valine / cerebrospinal fluid
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Valine / pharmacokinetics
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Valine / therapeutic use
Substances
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Antiviral Agents
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Valine
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Valacyclovir
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Acyclovir