What Drug To Treat Shingles

Several antiviral medicines acyclovir valacyclovir and famciclovir are available to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of the illness.

What drug to treat shingles. If you think you have shingles contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Data sources include ibm watson micromedex updated 2 sep 2020 cerner multum updated 1 sep 2020 wolters kluwer updated. Acyclovir zovirax valacyclovir valtrex shingles can cause severe pain so your doctor also may prescribe. These may also help you stave off postherpetic neuralgia.

While antiviral medication is an effective treatment for shingles it s not the only option. Seek early treatment mayo clinic health letter june 2002. National institute of neurologic disorders and stroke. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice diagnosis or treatment.

These medicines are most effective if you start taking them as soon as possible after the rash appears. There s no cure for shingles but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. It is available in generic and brand form. Below is a list of common medications used to treat or reduce the symptoms of shingles.

Acyclovir zovirax is an inexpensive drug used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. Examples of these infections include herpes and shingles this drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. Your doctor can suggest over the counter medicines to relieve milder discomfort. Follow the links to read common uses side effects dosage.

New england journal of medicine 2005. Treatment procedures and medications for shingles primarily aim at diminishing the activity of the virus and in reducing the pain associated with the infection. Shingles causes a painful rash that can be accompanied by fever fatigue and sensitivity to light. Shingles causes inflammation and pain.

Several medication options are available and it depends on the medical practitioner to determine which is the best suited treatment procedure and medications for a particular individual.