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