How Can Pain From Shingles Be Managed While Taking Acyclovir Every 4 Hours For 5 Days?

Posted on Mon, 17 Sep 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 Answered on

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I have Shingle and taking acyclovir 800 mg every 4 hours for 5 days but it is still very painful. Can you help

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take tablet Tramadol and Gabapentin

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Shingles usually takes around 2-3 weeks to resolve.
It is associated with severe pain and burning in majority of the individuals.

Apart from antiviral medicine you need to take pain relieving medicine like tablet tramadol 50 mg twice daily and tablet Gabapentin 300 mg twice daily for few days.
These will help in reducing your symptoms.
These are prescription drugs and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.

I hope to have answered your query and would be happy to answer any further queries.
Regards,
Dr. Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy