Antivirus Medicine
Examples
How It Works
Antiviral medicines prevent the virus that causes shingles from multiplying. These medicines shorten the period of rash, reduce pain during the active stage of the illness, and reduce the chance of getting complications of shingles, such as postherpetic neuralgia. Antivirals may be taken orally by mouth or injected intravenously in a vein.
Why It Is Used
Anyone who has shingles can use antivirals, but antivirals are particularly beneficial for adults older than 50 and people who have weak immune systems. They are also used for people who have severe rash and those who have rash near an eye and/or on the forehead.
How Well It Works
Antivirals may reduce the severity of shingles and speed healing. When acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir are taken within 3 days of getting shingles, these medicines can significantly reduce the duration of pain associated with shingles. These medicines also reduce the pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia.1
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don t feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call911or other emergency services right away if you have:
Trouble breathing.
Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor right away if you have:
Seizures.
Hives.
Confused thoughts or hallucinations.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
Headache.
Nausea.
Loss of appetite.
Diarrhea.
Belly pain.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. Drug Reference is not available in all systems.
What To Think About
If you have kidney problems, you may need to take less than the typical dosage of antiviral medicine. Before you start antiviral treatment, be sure your doctor is aware of your other medical conditions.
Topical antivirals antiviral medicines put on the skin do not help treat shingles.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don t take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health and perhaps your life at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form PDF What is a PDF document. to help you understand this medication.
Citations
Schmader KE, Oxman MN 2012. Varicella and herpes zoster. In LA Goldman et al., eds., Fitzpatrick s Dermatology in General Medicine, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2383-2401. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Antivirals for Shingles
Antivirus medicine definition: any drug that destroys viruses. Synonyms: antiviral, antiviral agent, antiviral drug. Type of: medicine. Audio.
Antiviral drug. Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used specifically for treating viral infections. 1 Like antibiotics and broad-spectrum antibiotics for.
List of antiviral drugs. This is a list of antiviral drugs. A Edit. Abacavir; Aciclovir; Acyclovir; Adefovir; Amantadine; Amprenavir; Ampligen; Arbidol; Atazanavir.
Nov 14, 2014 Antivirals for Shingles. Guide. Examples. Generic Name Brand Name; acyclovir: Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health.
Learn more from WebMD about flu treatment with antiviral drugs, which shorten the duration of the virus and may ease the severity of symptoms.
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Dr. Joe Bresee explains the nature of antiviral drugs and how they are used for seasonal flu. New. Why CDC Recommends Influenza Antiviral Drugs;.
