Managing herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia.
Treatment strategies for herpes zoster infection include limiting viral replication with anti-infective agents as well as limiting associated acute and chronic neuropathic pain with a variety of analgesics. The author outlines currently available pharmacotherapeutic options, from first-line (eg, anti-infective agents, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioid analgesics, and topical agents) through adjuvant treatments (eg, oral corticosteroids). A summary of adverse event profiles is provided for each medication. Vaccination is recommended as a preventive measure.
Galluzzi
Katherine E
KE
Department of Geriatrics, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowland Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19131-1633, USA. katherineg@pcom.edu
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D051474:Neuralgia, Postherpetic / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents