What antiviral medication is used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) meningitis?

Acyclovir is the antiviral medication of choice for the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) meningitis. This is primarily due to its effectiveness against the herpes virus, which includes HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections that can lead to meningitis. Acyclovir works by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, thus reducing the viral load in the patient’s system. When administered intravenously, it is particularly valuable in managing severe infections like meningitis, where rapid therapeutic levels are essential.

Valacyclovir, while effective against HSV, is primarily used for less severe infections or for the management of episodic outbreaks, rather than for the acute treatment of meningitis. Ganciclovir is mainly utilized for cytomegalovirus infections and is not typically used for HSV. Famciclovir is also effective against HSV, but it is more often used for treating recurrent infections or in outpatient settings rather than for serious conditions like meningitis. Therefore, Acyclovir remains the standard treatment for HSV meningitis.