Shingles – Medications

Transcript

Medications given to treat shingles. Antivirals, such as valacyclovir or Acyclovir can reduce pain and the duration or length of symptoms if they are started within one to three days of the onset of herpes zoster. Acyclovir 800 milligrams five times a day for seven days is prescribed the most often. However, valacyclovir and Famciclovir are also used. Systemic steroids and their efficacy has not been fully elucidated. Oral antibiotics may be used to help prevent a secondary infection.