抄録
Recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) occurs in up to
40% of the population. Although the disease is usually
self-limiting, patients seek treatment because
of the significant pain and visibility of the lesion.
Xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOI) have been
reported to have a potent antiviral effect against
influenza-A virus. We examined the effect of the
systemic xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol, on
RHL duration of illness, severity of symptoms,
number and frequency of recurrence during a 4-
year follow up period in Egyptian patients.
Duration of illness was shortened by about 25%,
early disappearance of pain and other symptoms
occurred. Also, aborted episodes were noticed
when allopurinol was given just after beginning of
common colds, at the prodromal stage of RHL or
during severe stress conditions. Patients receiving
3 courses of treatment had markedly decreased
recurrences during the follow up period. Ex vivo
experiments to examine virus-induced plaque formation
on Vero cells in the absence or presence of
different concentrations of the drug could not
prove any direct anti herpetic effect of the drug.
However, allopurinol seems to be safe and effective
in reducing duration of RHL and to abort lesion or
prevent its appearance in treated patients even
when they experience immunosuppressive conditions.
