Can Prednisone Be Used To Treat Shingles

Over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen tylenol or non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs nsaids such as ibuprofen motrin advil can be effective in relieving mild pain.

Can prednisone be used to treat shingles.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is used to reduce inflammation and calm down an overactive immune system. There s no cure for shingles but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. Yes prednisone has been used to treat shingles helps more with pain related to shingles when taken with an antiviral. Before prednisone doctors say there weren t effective treatments for conditions or illnesses such as lupus severe psoriasis asthma bacterial meningitis or a serious case of pneumonia.

Prednisone used in conjunction with acyclovir has been shown to reduce the pain associated with herpes zoster 15 the likely mechanism involves decreasing the degree of neuritis caused by active. When combined with antiviral treatment prednisone relieves pain and nerve damage and reduces one s chances of developing postherpetic neuralgia a condition in which pain lasts after the shingles rash has cleared up. Its glucocorticoid activity is greater than its mineralocorticoid activity which means that it has more effects on the immune response and inflammation than it does on electrolytes and fluid. I have recently thought that i have this zoosters and am waiting for my doctor to give the test however for 12 years i have been on prednisone daily and its to the point i cant stop 5 to 10 mg a day for migraines food presertive related and for arthritis.

Typically a substantial dose eg 40 60 mg of oral prednisone every morning typically is administered as early as possible in the course of the. Steroid treatment is traditional but controversial. Antibacterial agents can be given to treat bacterial infections of the shingles rash if this occurs. Acyclovir zovirax valacyclovir valtrex shingles can cause severe pain so your doctor also may prescribe.