Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (increasingly common in younger adults) or type 2 (the classical genital subtype). After primary infection, the virus establishes latency in sacral sensory ganglia, with periodic reactivation causing recurrent outbreaks. There is no cure, but acyclic guanosine analogue antivirals (aciclovir, valaciclovir, famciclovir) effectively shorten outbreak duration, reduce recurrence frequency in suppressive therapy, and cut sexual-transmission risk to partners. The MedsBase Genital Herpes Treatment catalogue stocks the full antiviral range, supplied by WHO-GMP gecertificeerde fabrikanten.
Aciclovir — the original guanosine analogue. Aciclovir requires more-frequent dosing than newer alternatives but remains widely used and inexpensive. Episodic outbreak treatment: 400 mg three times daily for 5 days (or 200 mg five times daily). Daily suppressive therapy: 400 mg twice daily. Severe / immunocompromised patients may need IV aciclovir. Stocked as Acivir 200 DT dispersible (paediatric and weight-based dosing), Zovirax Suspension (paediatric and adult oral suspension), Zoster Cream (topical for orolabial herpes — modest efficacy, limited evidence for genital use), and Ekovir (200 mg).
Valaciclovir — modern preferred oral choice. Valaciclovir is the L-valyl ester prodrug of aciclovir with 3–5× higher oral bioavailability — fewer doses per day, better adherence, similar safety. Episodic: 1000 mg twice daily for 5 days (or 500 mg twice daily). Daily suppressive: 500 mg once daily. Suppressive therapy reduces partner transmission by approximately 50% (Corey 2004). Stocked as Valclovir, Valovera, en Valcosign.
Famciclovir — penciclovir prodrug alternative. Famciclovir 250 mg three times daily for 5 days for episodic outbreaks. Higher penciclovir intracellular half-life means longer dosing intervals possible. Stocked as Penvir.
Combination kits. The Medische noodkit includes acute-care antivirals.
Hoe te kiezen. Episodic treatment of recurrent outbreaks → start at first prodromal symptom (tingling, pain, warmth) for shortest course. Frequent recurrences (≥ 6 per year) → daily suppressive therapy with valaciclovir 500 mg once daily — substantially reduces both attack frequency and partner transmission risk. Pregnancy with active genital herpes near term → daily suppressive aciclovir or valaciclovir from 36 weeks to reduce caesarean indication. Severe / disseminated infection or immunocompromised patient → IV aciclovir under specialist care.
Belangrijk. Genital herpes is lifelong — counselling on the diagnosis, asymptomatic shedding, and partner-disclosure decisions is as important as antiviral treatment. Most transmission to partners occurs during asymptomatic shedding rather than visible outbreak. Condoms reduce but do not eliminate transmission risk. Suppressive therapy + condoms + disclosure together provide best protection. Pregnant women with first-episode genital herpes near term need same-day specialist obstetric input — neonatal herpes is a serious complication. Renal impairment requires dose adjustment for all three antivirals.
All MedsBase Genital Herpes Treatment products ship from WHO-GMP gecertificeerde fabrikanten met discrete verpakking en vallen onder onze Reshipment Assurance Policy.