ABSTRACT
Multiple trials of drugs for recurrent herpes labialis in immunocompetent hosts have been undertaken in the last 30 years (1). Unfortunately for the patients, these studies have yielded largely negative results, and only a few compounds have been approved by regulatory authorities. ldoxuridine (IDU) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and acyclovir (ACV) cream are commercially available in Europe. There are no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments in the United States. Acyclovir ointment is used by practitioners for this indication, but the evidence from multiple clinical trials shows little or no therapeutic effect (2-4). The approval of ACV ointment in the United States was based on its activity in primary genital herpes (5) and herpes labialis in immunocompromised patients (6).
