What Antiviral Medication Is Used To Treat Shingles

Acyclovir may be used in the treatment of herpes zoster virus shingles.

What antiviral medication is used to treat shingles. Antiviral medications these medicines may slow down the progress of the shingles rash especially if you take them within the first 72 hours of having symptoms. Vaccines antivirals and other medication can prevent or diminish the severity of shingles. However treatment with antiviral drugs is often prescribed to reduce the severity of disease and also to eliminate the chances of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia or. Acyclovir zovirax valacyclovir valtrex shingles can cause severe pain so your doctor also may prescribe.

The common branded form of acyclovir is zovirax that is manufactured by glaxosmithkline. Shingles causes a painful rash that can be accompanied by fever fatigue and sensitivity to light. Zovirax is used to treat various types of herpes infections. There is no cure for shingles once it is contracted by an individual and the infection subsides on its own after its normal duration of course.

Answer these medicines may slow down the progress of the shingles rash especially if you take them within the first 72 hours of having symptoms. While antiviral medication is an effective treatment for shingles it s not the only option. Data sources include ibm watson micromedex updated 2 sep 2020 cerner multum updated 1 sep 2020 wolters kluwer updated. Shingles treatment and prevention.

They can also lower your chance of. Acyclovir is an anti viral medication that can be used at various stages of shingles or herpes zoster infection. How are antiviral medications used to treat shingles. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice diagnosis or treatment.

Several antiviral medicines acyclovir valacyclovir and famciclovir are available to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of the illness. There s no cure for shingles but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. These medicines are most effective if you start taking them as soon as possible after the rash appears. How effective are vaccines and medication.