Drugs for Shingles Pain

Shingles (herpes zoster), is a condition with a painful rash caused by a recurrence of the chickenpox virus. A large number of different medications are used in the management of pain caused by shingles, depending on the severity of an individual's symptoms.

Identification

• In order to be diagnosed and be prescribed appropriate treatment for shingles, it is necessary to visit a doctor. A doctor can assess the level of an individual's pain and recommend appropriate management techniques.

Features

• The main treatment for shingles is a combination of antiviral and corticosteroid drugs. These drugs, while not specifically designed for pain management, reduce inflammation, and therefore pain, in the affected nerve.

OTC Treatments

• According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), some people may be able to manage their shingles pain with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Prescription Treatments

• People with more severe pain may require prescription narcotic pain relievers like codeine and hydrocodone. The AAFP recommends a regular dosing schedule, no matter which pain relievers are used, in order to avoid pain between doses.

Others

• The topical pain relievers lidocaine and capsaicin may also be used to treat shingles pain. Lidocaine can be used while sores are active, while, according to the AAFP, capsaicin should only be used after sores have begun to heal.

Considerations

• Doctor's and manufacturer's dosing instructions should always be followed in order to avoid complications such as damage to the liver.