Antiviral treatment for shingles and its complications in immunocompetent adults
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS)
Record ID 32011000051
English
Authors' recommendations:
Anti-viral drugs – aciclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir – are all licensed for use in the UK for the treatment of shingles, and should be administered within 72 hours of the onset of the rash.It is clinically proven that antiviral therapy is safe and can accelerate rash healing and reduce the intensity and duration of pain in the acute phase of shingles. There is someevidence that antiviral agents can reduce the duration of PHN, with newer agents being modestly more effective.Antiviral drugs are effective in reducing the frequency and severity of ophthalmic shingles, and can be initiated beyond the recommended 72-hour time frame.Aciclovir is cheaper than famciclovir and valaciclovir as it is available in generic form.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2008
URL for published report:
http://www.nhshealthquality.org/nhsqis/controller?p_service=Content.show&p_applic=CCC&pContentID=4251
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Scotland
MeSH Terms
- Adult
- Antiviral Agents
- Immunocompetence
- Treatment Outcome
Contact
Organisation Name:
Quality Improvement Scotland
Contact Address:
Delta House, 50 West Nile Street Glasgow G1 2NP Scotland United Kingdom Tel: +44 141 225 6988; Fax: +44 141 221 3262
Contact Name:
shtg.hcis@nhs.net
Contact Email:
shtg.hcis@nhs.net
Copyright:
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS)
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