Famciclovir for Cutaneous Herpesvirus Infections: An Update and Review of New Single-Day Dosing Indications

Infections with herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 and herpes zoster are common and a substantial public health issue. Famciclovir is an effective treatment for herpes simplex and herpes zoster. We review studies evaluating the efficacy of single-day doses of famciclovir for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) and genital herpes. Famciclovir has received single-day dosing indications for both of these entities. The studies leading to these new indications are reviewed.