Drug Treatments for Shingles

The medical treatment for shingles (herpes zoster) involves a number of drugs. The medicines include those that treat the virus specifically as well as those that manage symptoms, including pain.

Targeting

• Antiviral medications are used to specifically target the cause of shingles, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Among these medications are acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Controlling Damage

• VZV affects nerve cells, and corticosteroids are used to relieve swelling and help prevent damage to these nerve cells. The AAFP reports that this may also lower the chances of developing complications of shingles.

Relief

• A number of prescription and non-prescription painkillers can be used to control pain in shingles, depending on the severity of symptoms. Topical lidocaine and capsaicin are also used, according to the AAFP.

Time Frame

• Antiviral treatment lasts for between one week and 10 days, while corticosteroids are administered for three weeks, according to the AAFP. Pain management techniques are used throughout the duration of symptoms.

Considerations

• Additional medications, including some types of tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsant medications, may be necessary if the pain lasts after the rash clears up (a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia), according to the AAFP.