Acyclovir for the prevention and treatment of varicella zoster in children, adolescents and pregnancy

Abstract

Varicella causes a mild, self-limiting childhood disease that may reactivate years later as shingles. In immunocompromised patients with altered cell mediated immunity, and rarely in healthy individuals, varicella results in a life-threatening infection. The antiviral drug, acyclovir, substantially reduces the mortality and risk of severe disease in these groups of patients. Early commencement of acyclovir is recommended for children with both varicella and altered cell mediated immunity, newborns during the first 2 weeks of life, preterm infants in the neonatal nursery, and severe varicella or shingles (including ocular zoster) in any patient, as well as during pregnancy. Acyclovir may be considered in children with serious cardiopulmonary disease or chronic skin disorders where varicella may exacerbate the underlying disease or increase the risk of secondary bacterial sepsis. Acyclovir, however, is not recommended for healthy individuals without severe disease, as a prophylactic agent against varicella, for asthmatics receiving aerosolized or low-dose oral steroids and/or as treatment of the post-varicella syndromes. When acyclovir is prescribed it should be given intravenously to those with severe disease, those at risk of dissemination and in children younger than 2 years of age.