Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Shingles: Antiviral medications

Basically there are three anitvirals in use for shingles. It appears that the sooner treatment is begun, the better. The three medications are: acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. Acyclovir minimizes the severity and duration of shingles symptoms by inhibiting viral replication. While acyclovir lessens the duration of lesions and promotes crusting, it is doubtful that it reduces PHN.

Valacyclovir is similar in effect to acyclovir, but seems to reduce PHN as well. This is also the case for famciclovir. Both antivirals aid crusting of lesions, and reduce PHN. The choice of antiviral treatment will hinge on absorption, and cost. Valacyclovir and famiclovir have better bioavailability. Famciclovir is the most expensive, while acyclovir generic is the least.

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