Skills-Based Tutorials For Shingles Medications

Skills-Based Tutorial For Shingles Medications

     I know that taking medication for any illness or disease can be stressful, especially if you're unsure how or when to take it or how to apply it if it's topical.  I have put together a list of prescription medications commonly used for the treatment of shingles, as well as over the counter medications and simple every day tips and tricks and how to take or apply each one.  Hopefully this will aid you in your recovery and direct you on the right path towards correct medication usage.

Common Prescription Medications

Acyclovir oral - This medication helps sores heal faster, keeps new sores from former, and decreases pain and itching.  Take this dose as prescribed on the label.  Do not take more than necessary and do not take longer than recommended.  Take this medication with a full glass of water.  Before taking the liquid medication dose, shake the prescription well before you measure out the amount and use a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup to ensure you get the correct amount.  This medication can be taken with or without food, however taking it with food may decrease stomach upset.  

Valacyclovir oral - This medication is the generic brand of Valtrex.  The recommended dosage is 25 mg/mL or 50 mg/mL so make sure to read the label of the prescription you have been prescribed to know the correct dosage you are to be taking.  This medication is usually dispensed as 2 grams twice daily, taken 12 hours apart.  Store the medication at 59 F to 77 F in order for the medication to to remain useful.  

Famvir oral - This is not a cure for the disease but it is used to decrease the severity and length of the outbreaks and is also used to decrease the pain and itching.  Do not drive or use heavy machinery when taking this medication as it does have the potential to make you drowsy.  If you are lactose intolerant, check with your doctor before taking this medication as it does contain lactose.  The recommended dosage of Famvir is 1500 mg as a single dose.  Using this medication as suppressive therapy, it is recommended to take 250 mg twice daily.  Famvir is given as a film-coated tablet as 125 mg in increments of 30, 250 mg in increments of 30, 500 mg in increments of 30, or single unit packages of 50. 

Over the Counter Medications 

Ibuprofen - This medication is used to reduce fever and minor aches and pain.  Follow the directions on the label correctly and make sure not to take more than 500 mg every four to six hours. Its also helpful to take this dosage with food as it will decrease stomach upset.

Aspirin - This medication is also used to reduce fever and minor aches and pain.  Again, please follow the directions on the label correctly and make sure not to exceed more than 2000 mg of aspirin in a single day.  This is dispensed orally and is in pill form.  

Tips and Tricks 

Wash Cloths - You can apply a damp wash cloth to the sores in order to relieve some of the pain as well as dry out the blisters.  Once the blisters dry out they will start to heal.

Shingles Rescue (homeopathic gel) - You apply this gel liberally as needed in order to soothe the pain caused by shingles blisters.  It's an effective, safe and natural gel and contains Croton Tiglium, Natrum Muriaticum, Plantago Major, Rhus Toxicodendron, and Sarsaparilla. It also includes Aloe Vera and St Johns Wart.  

Capsa Cream - This is applied topically and contains Capsaicin extract, peppermint oil and aloe.  It provides maximum strength warming and soothing relief for the pain and can also be applied liberally as needed.  

Emuaid (homeopathic) - This medication reduces inflammation, itching, pain and discomfort.  It also heals lesions and prevents scarring.  This is also an ointment to be applied topically as needed.  



I hope this information has been helpful and has at least provided you with a general place to start.  Please visit the links below for more information on shingles medications, which includes some of the ones I've listed above.  

Emuaid
Shingles Treatments and Drugs
Famvir
Drugs and Medication Search
Shingles Medications

Recommendations for Family Members of Patient's with Shingles

Recommendations for Family Members 

First, you should know that this is an extremely hard and painful time for your family member.  They may not have all the answers and there may be time when they need your help but do not know how to ask for it.  There are a number of things you can do to help your family member and a number of things to know to help you prepare yourself as well.  

Shingles is contagious.  It can be spread to any child or adult who has not had chickenpox.  Instead of getting shingles, however, those who have been infected will get chickenpox.  Those who have previously had chickenpox though cannot catch the shingles virus.  Please be aware, though, that anyone who has had chickenpox has the potential to develop the shingles later in life, though not by contracting it.

If your loved one is in a senior living center, make sure the staff members are looking out for signs of a shingles outbreak.  This could include itching, burning, or numbness of the skin, a tingling sensation, painful pus-filled blisters, rashes, chills, fevers, headaches, or an upset stomach.  There is usually a pattern to developing shingles and the first sign is typically feeling a tingling or burning sensation on their skin followed by the development of a rash.  The rash will then turn to blisters which will eventually dry and turn to a scab.

Though shingles can be very painful, and typically last 3-5 weeks, there are a number of things you can do to help your loved one.  Make sure they are getting enough rest as possible and eating plenty of meals.  Also make sure they are in a stress-free environment as stress has been known to cause shingles and can extend the life of the virus.  Applying a cool washcloth to the blisters will not only help dry the blisters up but will also help to relieve the pain they are causing.  Calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal baths have also been known to help with the pain.  Over the counter medications may be available but it is always best to consult with your family member's physician before recommending something.  Their physician may have already prescribed medications to help and if that is the case, you should ask for the details so that you can be there to help your loved one take the medication should they need it.

Walking and stretching can also help, and doing activities to take their mind off of the pain and discomfort can help as well.  Watching TV, reading books together, sharing stories, working on hobbies together or talking with friends are all activities that can help not only relieve stress but ease discomfort.  Encourage your family member to talk to you about the pain, how they are feeling, and what they are thinking.  This will not only help them to relax but it will help you better understand how to help your loved one.  Having them open up and tell you the specifics about the pain they are feeling can help you to assess their needs.

Shingles can be an extremely tough time for all individuals, but especially for those who are experiencing the infection.  Not only is it painful and hard to manage by oneself, but it can cause embarrassment and a sense of helplessness.  Please remember to be patient and understanding as well as helpful during this tough time.  Your family member and loved one will be thankful that you took the time to be there for them.  

10 Things Every Caregiver Should Know About Shingles

How To Help With Shingles Pain

Things You Should Know When A Loved One Has Shingles

Who Gets Shingles?