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Systemic Antivirals in Dermatology

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Biologic and Systemic Agents in Dermatology

Abstract

Over the past three decades, the elucidation of the pathogenesis of viral infections and the discovery of viral proteins and enzymes as molecular drug targets have transformed the treatment of systemic viral infections. Starting with acyclovir, which established the role of antivirals in the treatment of herpesvirus infections, the armamentarium of efficacious and systemic agents for the treatment of herpetic infections and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections has greatly expanded. In addition, over the last few years, the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection has been revolutionized by the use of direct-acting antiviral agents. This chapter details the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy profiles of the antiviral agents most commonly used by dermatologists and also those agents that are known to cause cutaneous adverse reactions. Treatment options for herpesvirus infections, HIV, and chronic hepatitis C infections are discussed.

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Abbreviations

ACV:

Acyclovir

AIDS:

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

CDC:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CMV:

Cytomegalovirus

EBV:

Epstein-Barr virus

eGFR:

Estimated glomerular filtration rate

FCV:

Famciclovir

FDA:

Food and Drug Administration

GCV:

Ganciclovir

GI:

Gastrointestinal

HSCT:

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant

HSV:

Herpes simplex virus

HAART:

Highly active antiretroviral therapy

HIV:

Human immunodeficiency syndrome

HHV:

Human herpesvirus family

HPV:

Human papillomavirus

IV:

Intravenous

PCV:

Penciclovir

PEP:

Post-exposure prophylaxis

PrEP:

Pre-exposure prophylaxis

SOT:

Solid organ transplant

TTP:

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

VACV:

Valacyclovir

VGCV:

Valganciclovir

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New York Medical College, New York, NY, USA

    A. Jarad Peranteau MD

  2. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    Ramya Vangipuram MD

  3. Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA

    Kevin Sharghi MD

  4. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    Stephen K. Tyring MD, PhD

  5. Center for Clinical Studies, Houston, TX, USA

    Stephen K. Tyring MD, PhD

Authors
  1. A. Jarad Peranteau MD
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  2. Ramya Vangipuram MD
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  3. Kevin Sharghi MD
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  4. Stephen K. Tyring MD, PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stephen K. Tyring MD, PhD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine a UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Paul S. Yamauchi

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Jarad Peranteau, A., Vangipuram, R., Sharghi, K., Tyring, S.K. (2018). Systemic Antivirals in Dermatology. In: Yamauchi, P. (eds) Biologic and Systemic Agents in Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66884-0_41

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