HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Best Oral Antiviral Medication For Shingles

default
Posted on Fri, 19 May 2023
Question: As a pharmacist, MD just called and wanted to know if shingles shot would help with active break out?
What is your opinion of best oral antiviral, and best topical products for pain?
Thanks
XXXXXXX XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Won't help...

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

If you're talking about the vaccine then it can't be used as a treatment for shingles.

Regarding the 'best' antiviral I can't suggest one as better than the others. I can say that valacyclovir is probably the most commonly prescribed regimen. Valacyclovir, famciclovir, and aciclovir have been proved effective. Perhaps the first two more than aciclovir regarding long-lasting pain. Calamine lotion and simple analgesics are the first line treatment for pain (acetaminophen). As we step up ibuprofen and other NSAID can be used. For the most severe pain, opioid analgesics can be employed. For persistent pain (postherpetic neuralgia) there are other options too (like tricyclic antidepressants, capsaicin, etc).

I hope you find my comments helpful!

Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3818 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Internal Medicine Specialist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Suggest Best Oral Antiviral Medication For Shingles

Brief Answer: Won't help... Detailed Answer: Hello, If you're talking about the vaccine then it can't be used as a treatment for shingles. Regarding the 'best' antiviral I can't suggest one as better than the others. I can say that valacyclovir is probably the most commonly prescribed regimen. Valacyclovir, famciclovir, and aciclovir have been proved effective. Perhaps the first two more than aciclovir regarding long-lasting pain. Calamine lotion and simple analgesics are the first line treatment for pain (acetaminophen). As we step up ibuprofen and other NSAID can be used. For the most severe pain, opioid analgesics can be employed. For persistent pain (postherpetic neuralgia) there are other options too (like tricyclic antidepressants, capsaicin, etc). I hope you find my comments helpful! Regards, Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist