Categories

Volume 4 Issue 5 (September - October, 2016)

Original Articles

Evaluation of Oral Acyclovir and Oral Famciclovir in the treatment of Herpes Zoster: A Comparative Study
Prity Ahuja, Sudhir Sharma

Introduction:The purpose of this study is to determine whether Acyclovir and Famciclovir can, in any way, relieve the pain, irritation, and anxiety associated with Herpes Zoster and the ensuing post herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Materials and Methods:A thorough clinical history, physical examination, and pertinent investigations, such as routine tests and Tzanck smears, were performed in accordance with pre-structured proforma when necessary. Patients were evaluated for pain and healing of the cutaneous lesions on day 5after initiation of therapy and every week there after for a period of six weeks. One hundred patients were prescribed to receive oral Acyclovir or oral Famciclour on alternate basis. Comparison between the 2 groups wasdone by Unpaired T test. Categorical data was analysed by Chi-square test. Results: In both groups, the average values for complete crusting in various dermatomes were not statistically significant (p>0.01). In both groups, the mean values for full and complete healing in distinct dermatomes were statistically significant (p<0.01). In both groups, the average values for the subsidence of acute pain in several dermatomes were statistically significant (p<0.01). Conclusion:It can be concluded that famciclovir can be a better option in the treatment ofherpes zoster in view of all the above mentioned factsandithas gotaconvenientdosagescheduleas well.

 
Abstract View | Download PDF | Current Issue