Randomized Study of Two Doses of Oral Valacyclovir in Immunocompromised Patients With Uncomplicated Herpes Zoster

PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA: --Disease Characteristics-- Patients with a clinical diagnosis of uncomplicated herpes zoster presenting within 72 hours after onset of zoster rash No evidence of cutaneous or visceral dissemination of herpes zoster infection; cutaneous dissemination defined as at least 20 discrete lesions outside adjacent dermatomes Must have immune dysfunction caused by any of the following: congenital immune deficiency; active malignancy of any type; collagen vascular diseases; organ or bone marrow transplantation; HIV infection; severe atopic dermatitis; received cytotoxic drugs or immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., chronic systemic corticosteroids) within past 3 months CD4 count at least 50% --Prior/Concurrent Therapy-- Biologic therapy: Greater than 9 months since prior bone marrow transplantation Surgery: Greater than 9 months since prior liver or heart transplantation Other: At least 4 weeks since prior topical or systemic anti-varicella zoster virus (anti-VZV) medications; no concurrent systemic agents with anti-VZV activity from enrollment to Day 10; no concurrent probenecid from 24 hours before the first dose of study drug until Day 10 --Patient Characteristics-- Hepatic: AST or ALT no greater than 5 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine clearance at least 30 mL/min Other: Not pregnant or nursing; negative pregnancy test; fertile patients must use effective contraception; no history of intolerance or hypersensitivity to acyclovir, penciclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir