Some Antiviral Drugs for Herpesvirus Infections
Drug |
Common Uses |
Some Side Effects |
|
Acyclovir |
Herpes zoster (shingles) |
Few serious side effects Rarely, kidney damage Rarely, in people with a weakened immune system, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) |
|
Cidofovir |
Cytomegalovirus infections, including retinitis (infection of the retina of the eye) |
Kidney damage |
|
Famciclovir |
Herpes zoster (shingles) |
Few serious side effects |
|
Foscarnet |
Kidney damage |
|
|
Ganciclovir |
Cytomegalovirus infections, including retinitis |
Low white blood cell count |
|
Penciclovir (cream) |
Few side effects Redness at site of application |
|
|
Trifluridine (eye drops) |
Herpes simplex keratitis (infection of the cornea) |
Stinging of the eyes Swelling of the eyelids |
|
Valacyclovir |
Herpes zoster (shingles) |
Few serious side effects (similar to acyclovir) |
|
Valganciclovir |
Similar to ganciclovir (that is, a low white blood cell count) |
|
|
Vidarabine (as ointment applied to the eyes) |
Irritation of the eyes Sensitivity to light |