Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection
- Valacyclovir/acyclovir/famciclovir treat shingles
- Start early, especially in high-risk patients
- Disseminated/ophthalmic/CNS disease may need IV acyclovir
- Analgesia is part of acute shingles care
- Vaccination prevents much disease but does not treat active VZV
- Immunocompromised patients need lower threshold for escalation
Use at a glance
- Valacyclovir/acyclovir/famciclovir treat shingles
Practical pearls
- Analgesia is part of acute shingles care
Escalation / refractory disease
- Disseminated/ophthalmic/CNS disease may need IV acyclovir
- Vaccination prevents much disease but does not treat active VZV
- Immunocompromised patients need lower threshold for escalation
Other practical pearls
- Start early, especially in high-risk patients
Self-check
- Which oral antivirals are commonly used for shingles?
Valacyclovir, acyclovir or famciclovir.
- When should antiviral treatment for shingles be started?
Early, especially in high-risk patients.
- When may IV acyclovir be needed for VZV infection?
Disseminated, ophthalmic or CNS disease.
Drugs used for this (3)
All clinical uses · Open the interactive console ↗
