acyclovir in herpes zoster treatment
Last reviewed 01/2018
If oral acyclovir is used within 48 hours of the onset of the rash it reduces:
- the acute pain during treatment
- the time when lesions form by about 12 hours
- the time until loss of vesicles and full crusting
In two smaller trials oral acyclovir:
- may have been effective if used within 72 hours of onset of the rash
- reduced post-herpetic neuralgia
Reference:
- Wood MJ et al (1988). Am J Med, 85(2a), 79-83
- Huff JC et Al (1988). Am J Med, 85 (2a), 84-9
- Morton P et al (1989) New Zealand Medical Journal, 102, 93-5