Does Idoxuridine Help Herpes Labialis?

• Published in: The New England journal of medicine Vol. 312; no. 13; p. 859
• Main Authors: Felser, J M, Croen, K D, Sawyer, M H, Rooney, J F, Ostrove, J M, Straus, S E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Massachusetts Medical Society 28.03.1985
• Subjects: Adult; Herpes Labialis - drug therapy; Humans; Idoxuridine - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0028-4793; 1533-4406
• DOI: 10.1056/NEJM198503283121315

To the Editor: We take exception to the publication of Dr. Falkner's letter (Nov. 29 issue) 1 regarding his limited personal use of an ophthalmic preparation of 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (idoxuridine) for recurrent herpes labialis. Idoxuridine has been administered to patients with mucocutaneous herpes infections in several controlled trials over the past 20 years. These studies do not support claims of a benefit in the treatment of recurrent herpes. Dr. Falkner notes that a short duration between the onset of symptoms and the institution of therapy appears to be important, and this variable was found by Reichman et al. to be important when . . . No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words.