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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Shingles, Constant Headaches, Fatigue, Rashes. Taken Amoxicillin. What Else Can Be Done?

I have shingles and no health insurance. I still have some amoxicillan sitting in my fridge that hasn't expired. Will it help with the shingles? I've had shingles before so I'm sure the signs I have mean I have it. I have a constant headache, fatigue and a small rash that is identical to the rash I had when I had shingles last time.
posted on Tue, 10 Sep 2013
Twitter Tue, 10 Sep 2013 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 11 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
hi,
Amoxicillin wouldn't
work here, as it is antibacterial not antiviral drug & shingles is a viral disease. So, you have to go for acyclovir( 800mg 5 times a day for 5 days) or of famciclovir ( 3 times a day), start only within 3 days of symptoms, after 3 days no active treatment require. If pain still there need appropriate pain killer. Have plenty of fruit juices, water and vit c. I had many patients with similar illness and they respond very well with diet and pain killers. Fatigue will subside soon in 2-3 days on its own.

Review after 5 days and in between if things wouldn't control or minimize.
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Have Shingles, Constant Headaches, Fatigue, Rashes. Taken Amoxicillin. What Else Can Be Done?

hi, Amoxicillin wouldn t work here, as it is antibacterial not antiviral drug & shingles is a viral disease. So, you have to go for acyclovir( 800mg 5 times a day for 5 days) or of famciclovir ( 3 times a day), start only within 3 days of symptoms, after 3 days no active treatment require. If pain still there need appropriate pain killer. Have plenty of fruit juices, water and vit c. I had many patients with similar illness and they respond very well with diet and pain killers. Fatigue will subside soon in 2-3 days on its own. Review after 5 days and in between if things wouldn t control or minimize.