Shingles Medication

Medications for shingles are used to alleviate pain, shorten the duration of the disease, and decrease the risk of complications. Complications of herpes zoster (shingles) include:

• Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can spread to the blood or lymph nodes, which can be deadly.


• Postherpetic Neuralgia: A painful condition of the nerve fibers and skin.


• Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain


• Hearing loss


• Visual problems that can be temporary or permanent


• Facial paralysis


• Ramsay Hunt syndrome: Infection of the facial nerve with painful rash and facial muscle weakness.

The active stage of shingles can prove to be a very painful and debilitating condition. The good news is there are medications to combat the affects that an outbreak can have on your life.

The medications used when shingles is active include:

• Pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, to decrease pain


• Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), and Famciclovir (Famvir).


• Corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone and prednisone taken orally or by injection


• Topical antibiotics applied to the skin to prevent bacterial infection on open and leaking blisters.

Medications used in the treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia:

• Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.


• Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline.


• Analgesics


• Topical medications, such as a lidocaine patch.


• Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin or pregabalin (Lyrica).


• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.


• Nerve block


• Opioids, such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine

Vaccine For Shingles:

Zostavax, a chickenpox booster vaccine, was licensed in 2006 for the prevention of herpes zoster. Clinical trials were conducted that thwarted the disease in approximately 50% of people 60 years old and up. Additionally, it significantly reduced the pain associated with this condition. However, this vaccine is contraindicated in people who have severe allergies, such as a reaction to gelatin and certain antibiotics such as neomycin.

Zostivax is also not for people who have:

• Immune system problems such as HIV/AIDS


• Drug treatments that affect the immune system such as steroids, radiation, or chemotherapy


• History of leukemia or lymphoma


• Active TB


• Women who are pregnant or think they might be pregnant.

It is advised that women avoid pregnancy for at least three months after having the Zostivax injection. In addition to this, people who are experiencing an illness should not be vaccinated until they have recovered, particularly if a fever of 101.3 °F (38.5 °C) or higher is present.

As with all medications there are some risks involved that you should familiarize yourself with.

Mild problems include: Redness, soreness, swelling, or itching at the injection site and headache.

Severe Reactions: Respiratory distress, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, rapid heart rate, and dizziness. These symptoms would manifest within a few hours of being vaccinated.

Always check with your health care professional before getting this vaccine, and tell your doctor of any allergies you have to prevent any undue complications and reactions to this shingles medication.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT