Treatment options

Treatment options for shingles include:

• Antiviral medicines: such as aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir, which can reduce the severity and length of the outbreak if started within 72 hours of rash onset. However, antivirals can be given up to one week after rash onset, especially if the person is at higher risk of severe shingles or complications
• Pain relief medicines: such as over-the-counter paracetamol, alone or in combination with codeine, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen
• Amitriptyline (off-label use), duloxetine (off-label use), gabapentin or pregabalin: may be considered for people presenting with severe pain.³ See the NICE CKS: cks.nice.org.uk/topics/neuropathic-pain-drug-treatment for more information.