For herpes encephalitis, which medication is indicated for treatment?

In the treatment of herpes encephalitis, acyclovir is the indicated medication. This antiviral agent is specifically effective against herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is the most common cause of viral encephalitis in adults and children. Acyclovir works by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, thus reducing the viral load and helping to alleviate symptoms and prevent potential complications associated with the infection.

Prompt initiation of intravenous acyclovir is crucial in managing herpes encephalitis, as early treatment has been shown to improve neurological outcomes significantly. In cases of suspected viral encephalitis, acyclovir is often started empirically while awaiting results from diagnostic tests, given the urgency in addressing the potential severity of the condition caused by HSV.

Other medications listed do not target HSV specifically. Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic used primarily for bacterial infections, while vancomycin is an antibiotic effective against resistant strains of bacteria but not viruses. Amoxicillin is another antibiotic ineffective against viral infections and does not play a role in treating herpes encephalitis. Thus, acyclovir stands out as the specific choice for managing this condition.