Varicella zoster (shingles)
Varicella zoster (shingles)
- Systemic antiviral agents reduce pain, and reduce the incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia and viral shedding - aciclovir is the drug of choice.
- Valaciclovir and famciclovir are suitable alternatives but can only be prescribed by private prescription.
- Start treatment ideally at diagnosis or within 72 hours of the onset of the rash; even after this point antiviral treatment can reduce the severity of post-herpetic neuralgia.
- Refer all patients with herpes zoster to a specialist or their general medical practitioner.
More about Varicella zoster (shingles)
In patients with herpes zoster (shingles), systemic antiviral agents reduce pain, and reduce the incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia and viral shedding. Aciclovir is the drug of choice. However, valaciclovir and famciclovir are suitable alternatives (although they can only be prescribed using a private prescription). Start treatment ideally at diagnosis or within 72 hours of the onset of the rash; even after this point antiviral treatment can reduce the severity of post-herpetic neuralgia. In addition, refer all patients with herpes zoster to a specialist or their general medical practitioner.