Therapeutic effects of acyclovir and acyclovir-clobetasol nanofibers vs. cream formulation for recurrent herpes labialis

BMC Oral Health. 2024 Nov 6;24(1):1348. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-04948-6.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of acyclovir nanofiber and acyclovir-clobetasol nanofiber formulations with their non-nano formulations (cream formulation) on recurrent labial herpes.

Materials and methods: Eighty patients with labial herpes lesions were divided into four groups, each receiving one of the following treatments: acyclovir-clobetasol nano patch, acyclovir-clobetasol cream, acyclovir nano patch, or acyclovir cream. Pain levels and recovery times were assessed. The Wilcoxon test compared pain levels, while the log-rank test compared healing and scabbing times.

Results: Acyclovir-clobetasol nanofiber and cream, along with acyclovir nanofiber, significantly reduced symptoms compared to the acyclovir cream. The recovery and scabbing times were shorter in patients who received acyclovir-clobetasol formulations compared to those receiving acyclovir alone.

Conclusion: Acyclovir-clobetasol combinations accelerated recovery times compared to acyclovir alone. Additionally, nanofiber formulations demonstrated enhanced healing efficacy over cream formulations.

Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) at 14/11/2023.

Trial registration number: IRCT20230926059521N1.

Keywords: Acyclovir; Clobetasol; Herpes labialis; Herpes simplex; Nano.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir* / administration & dosage
  • Acyclovir* / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Clobetasol* / administration & dosage
  • Clobetasol* / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Herpes Labialis* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nanofibers*
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Acyclovir
  • Clobetasol
  • Antiviral Agents