Shingles is a medical condition caused by the varicella zoster virus. The varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox in children and later moves to neural cells, where it lies dormant until it is reactivated at later time due to disease or immunosuppression. Shingles is characterized by painful, blistering patches that affect nerve distribution areas of the body. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir are prescribed for treating shingles.
Acyclovir
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, acyclovir is an antiviral medication prescribed for the treatment of shingles and the prevention postherpetic neuralgia, a painful, long-lasting side effect of shingles. (Reference 1) Ideally, acyclovir should be initiated within 48 hours of the appearance of a shingles rash. Acyclovir is available in tablets, suspension or cream formulation. The typical dosage of acyclovir is 800 mg every four hours for a period of seven to ten days. Side effects commonly associated with acyclovir include diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.
Famciclovir
Famciclovir is an antiviral drug prescribed for the treatment of shingles, notes Mayoclinic.com. (Reference 2) Famciclovir is highly effective against the varicella zoster virus if initiated within three days of the appearance of shingles rash. Famciclovir is only available in tablets, and the usual dosage prescribed for the treatment of shingles is 500 mg taken every eight hours for a period of seven days. Side effects commonly associated with famciclovir include nausea, diarrhea, headache and a fever.
Valacyclovir Hydrochloride
Valacyclovir hydrochloride is an antiviral medication prescribed for the treatment of shingles, notes the American Academy of Family Physicians. (Reference 3) Valacyclovir is converted to acyclovir in the body thus, it produces the same pharmacological effects. This drugs is available in 500 mg and 1 g tablets, and the usual prescribed dosage for shingles is 1g taken every eight hours for a period of seven days. Side effects commonly associated with valacyclovir include nausea and vomiting. Treatment with valacyclovir should be initiated within 48 hours of the onset of shingles rash.
