Managing Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia

<p> <p id="x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-p-1"> 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. <p id="x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-p-2"> Pharmacotherapy for herpes zoster should accelerate healing and reduce the severity and duration of associated pain. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is defined along a continuum of pain&mdash;whether acute or chronic&mdash;and is measured from the onset of infection until final resolution. </p> <p> Reducing the risk for complications is also important. Treatment strategies for zoster infection include limiting viral replication with antiviral agents and limiting acute and chronic pain with a variety of analgesics </p> </p></p>