The Safety and Effectiveness of Valacyclovir HCl in the Treatment of Herpes Simplex or Varicella/Zoster Infections in HIV-1 Infected Children

Inclusion Criteria Concurrent Medication: Allowed: Antiretrovirals. PCP prophylaxis. IVIG, G-CSF, and erythropoietin. Concurrent Treatment: Allowed: Transfusions. Patients must have: Localized mucocutaneous herpes simplex OR undisseminated varicella or zoster. HIV positive. NOTE: Varicella patients must NOT have AIDS. CD4 count >= 100 cells/mm3 (herpes simplex or zoster patients) OR >= 250 cells/mm3 (varicella patients). BSA > 0.6 m2. Ability to swallow solid dosage formulations. Prior Medication: Allowed: Prior VZV immune globulin and/or IVIG. Antiretrovirals if at a stable dose for at least 14 days. Exclusion Criteria Co-existing Condition: Patients with the following symptoms or conditions are excluded: Clinical evidence of pneumonitis. Severe abdominal pain or back pain. Encephalopathy. Hemorrhagic varicella. Zoster involving ophthalmic branch of trigeminal nerve. Severe gastrointestinal disorder. Concurrent Medication: Excluded: Agents with potential activity against HSV or VZV, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir, foscarnet, and sorivudine. Probenecid. Aspartamine within 48 hours prior to pharmacokinetic samplings. Patients with the following prior conditions are excluded: Grade 2 creatinine value within the past 30 days. Grade 3 hematologic or hepatic values within the past 30 days. Prior hypersensitivity and/or allergic reaction to acyclovir. Grade 3 or 4 mental status changes within the past 30 days. Prior Medication: Excluded: Acyclovir within 1 week prior to study entry. Steroids within 4 weeks prior to onset of varicella lesions.