What Antiviral Medication Is Used To Treat Shingles

Data sources include ibm watson micromedex updated 2 sep 2020 cerner multum updated 1 sep 2020 wolters kluwer updated.

What antiviral medication is used to treat shingles.

Several antiviral medicines acyclovir valacyclovir and famciclovir are available to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of the illness. Acyclovir is an anti viral medication that can be used at various stages of shingles or herpes zoster infection. 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.

Acyclovir may be used to treat initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes. How effective are vaccines and medication. Zovirax is used to treat various types of herpes infections. Shingles causes a painful rash that can be accompanied by fever fatigue and sensitivity to light.

Acyclovir may be used in the treatment of herpes zoster virus shingles. Shingles treatment and prevention. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Acyclovir does not cure genital herpes or completely rid the body of the herpes virus.

While antiviral medication is an effective treatment for shingles it s not the only option. 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. 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.

They can also lower your chance of. 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. 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. Acyclovir does not completely rid the body of the herpes zoster virus.