ABSTRACT
Antiviral agents with demonstrated efficacy are currently available for the management of infections in children caused by the herpes viruses including herpes simples type 1 (HSV1) and type 2 (HSV2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Recently, progress has been made in the development of newer agents with enhanced activity against these viruses including resistant strains. This review focuses on the activity, clinical pharmacology, and clinical indications of antiviral agents used in the treatment of infections caused by the different herpes viruses in children.
Subject(s)
Administration, Oral , Antiviral Agents/administration & dosage , Chickenpox/drug therapy , Child , Child, Preschool , Clinical Trials as Topic , Cytomegalovirus Infections/drug therapy , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Administration Schedule , Female , Herpes Simplex/drug therapy , Herpes Zoster/drug therapy , Humans , Infant , Injections, Intravenous , Male , Prognosis , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
This review focuses on the activity, clinical pharmacology, and clinical indications of antiviral agents used in the management of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus infections, and chronic hepatitis B and C. Two neuraminidase inhibitors, a new class of antiviral agents, were recently approved for the treatment of influenza A and B in children.