Feasibility of Continuous Infusions of Acyclovir

Abstract

Current guidelines for severe herpes simplex virus infection recommend 21 days of intravenous therapy. The thrice-daily administration of intravenous acyclovir makes it challenging to deliver as outpatient therapy. We describe 2 cases with confirmed or presumed neonatal herpes simplex virus encephalitis treated with acyclovir administered as a continuous-infusion at home and review the pharmacologic and clinical evidence for continuous infusions of acyclovir.