Medications

• Some doctors only treat symptoms of shingles, such as pain, when the disease is diagnosed later than 72 hours after the rash develops. Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example) and ibuprofen (Advil, for example) or tricyclic antidepressants are examples of some pain medications that may be used. Topical creams may help reduce itching.



• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) may require additional medications such as opioids (for example, oxycodone, morphine). PHN is the pain that remains in some people even after the rash goes away. Some patients do not respond to common pain-management therapies and may need to be referred to a pain-management specialist.



• Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir), can decrease the duration of skin rash and pain, including the pain of PHN. These medications must be started early (up to about 24-72 hours after rash development) in the disease to have any benefit. Your doctor will decide which medications you may need. In special cases (for example, immunosuppressed patients), the antiviral medication may need to be given intravenously in the hospital.

• Sometimes, topical corticosteroids are used to decrease inflammation. Topical medications may be used to soothe the area or prevent infection.

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Shingles - Effective Treatments

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