Hello, this is my first time on this website. I've had what seems like a chronic herpes infection in my eye that seems to become red and inflamed when I'm under stress. I've received two conflicting recommendations about whether to take Acyclovir long term as a way to prevent a recurrence. My old doctor (who is now in another state) recommended that I take 400mg for 5 times a day following a recurrence and stay on a maintenance dose of 400mg for 2-3 times, possibly for the rest of my life.
However the new doctor that I am with (who has admitted a lack of experience with Acyclovir) feels that this is a very high dose and warned me that the drug could cause kidney problems over the long term. The second doctor recommends a dose of one 400mg dose a day, eventually tapering off to stopping the Acyclovir.
In addition, other doctors I have seen in the past have suggested that a dose of 800mg of Acyclovir 5 times a day is a better treatment. One doctor mentioned this NIH herpetic eye disease study: http://www.nei.nih.gov/neitrials/static/study37.asp where patients were treated with 400mg, 5 times daily for 10 weeks.
I just had some inflammation in my eye two days ago, but have been unable to see a doctor due to the Thanksgiving holiday. By Friday, it seems to be going away. I am wondering what is the best course of action preventing any future outbreaks. Thank you very much for any advice you can give on this matter!