Medications for Shingles
The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medicines listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medicines as recommended by your doctor or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
There are no medicines available to cure
shingles
. But there are medicines that can shorten the duration of the illness, reduce your risk of developing complications, and relieve some of your discomfort.
If you develop post-herpetic neuralgia with severe pain, your doctor may prescribe medicines that are used for chronic pain conditions.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Prescription Medications
Antiviral Medications
Common names include:
-
Acyclovir
(Zovirax)
-
Valacyclovir
(Valtrex)
-
Famciclovir
(Famvir)
Antiviral medicines will not cure shingles, but they can shorten the duration of the illness. They may also reduce pain and discomfort. While more evidence is needed, antiviral medicines might help prevent complications of shingles, such as post-herpetic neuralgia.
Side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Headache
- Tremor
Corticosteroids
Common names include:
Treatment with corticosteroids may, in the short term, reduce discomfort.
Side effects may include:
Over-the-Counter Medications
Acetaminophen
Common brand name: Tylenol
Acetaminophen can be helpful in relieving some of the aches and pains associated with shingles.
Ibuprofen
Common brand names include:
Ibuprofen can also help relieve some of the aches and pains associated with shingles. To decrease your chance of having an upset stomach, take ibuprofen with food.
Anti-itch Medications
Diphenhydramine
Common brand name: Benadryl
Diphenhydramine can be very helpful in decreasing the itching associated with the rash of shingles.
Side effects may include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness—Do not take medicine before driving or operating heavy equipment.
- Increased effects of alcohol or other sedatives
Caladryl Lotion
Common brand name: Caladryl
Caladryl lotion can help soothe the itching associated with the rash of shingles. Apply lotion to the rash several times each day.
Antibiotic Ointment
Common brand names include:
Antibiotic ointments may be recommended if your rash has become infected. Talk to your doctor about whether it is necessary to apply antibiotic ointment to open areas of you rash. It is usually applied several times each day.
Capsaicin
Cream
Common brand name: Zostrix
Capsaicin cream is used on the skin to relieve the itching, burning, and discomfort of shingles. Do not apply capsaicin cream until your rash has crusted over.
Side effects may include:
- Burning, stinging, or warm sensation when first applied to the skin
Special Considerations
If you are taking medicines, follow these general guidelines:
- Take your medicine as directed. Do not change the amount or schedule.
- Know what side effects could occur. Report them to your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor before you stop taking the medicine.
- Plan ahead for refills if you need them.
- Do not share your medicine with anyone.
- Drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor if you are taking more than one drug, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Contact your doctor if you:
- Have any questions about your medicine
- Have any side effects
- Feel that the medicine is not working
References
Shingles. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/
. Updated August 20, 2012. Accessed September 7, 2012.
Shingles (herpes zoster). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/overview.html
. Updated January 10, 2011. Accessed September 7, 2012.