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Serge Kernbaum, MD; Jean Hauchecorne, MD

JAMA. 1981;246(2):132-134.

Abstract
Forty-seven outpatients with herpes zoster, seen within five days of onset of the eruption, received ten days' administration of oral levodopa and benserazide or placebo in a double-blind controlled study. Both the total patient group and the high-risk group, eg, those with either ophthalmic zoster or those older than 65 years, were analyzed. Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic and pathological criteria. Vomiting was the only side effect observed in both groups. A significant decrease in intensity of pain was seen in the group receiving levodopa from the third day, and complete cessation of both pain and sleep disturbances was more frequent in the treated group. These differences were especially clear in the high-risk patients. Two months later, postherpetic neuralgia was also less frequent in the group that received levodopa.

(JAMA 1981;246:132-134)

Author Affiliations
From the Clinique des Maladies Infectieuses B, Hôpital Claude Bernard (Dr Kernbaum), and the Service d'Oncologie Medicale, Hôpital de la Salpetriere (Dr Hauchecorne), Paris.

Footnotes
Reprint requests to 19 allée Louise Labé, 75019 Paris, France (Dr Kernbaum).

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