Antiviral therapy in children with varicella zoster virus and herpes simplex virus infections.

A small number of antiviral drugs are available for the treatment of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in children. This review presents pharmacokinetic data on the following selected antiviral agents: aciclovir, valaciclovir, famciclovir, cidofovir and foscarnet. Support and current recommendations for the treatment of selected VZV and HSV infections in children will also be reviewed.