Bibliographic information
GuidelineWHO recommendations on adolescent health: guidelines approved by the WHO guidelines review committee
Year of Publication2017
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
New
For all HIV-infected children, adolescents and adults (including pregnant women) with herpes zoster, acyclovir is recommended to prevent dissemination and for resolution of disease (at any time in the course of the disease).
Recommended in favor
Strong
Certainty of evidence
Low
Notes and Remarks
Acyclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir are all effective in the treatment of herpes zoster. Acyclovir is specifically listed due to its inclusion on the WHO Model list of essential medicines.a Famciclovir and valaciclovir are acceptable alternatives when available.