Are antivirals effective and safe in reducing the duration or severity of symptoms in herpes zoster infection?

Abstract

Are antivirals effective and safe in reducing the duration or severity of symptoms in herpes zoster infection? EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWEROral antivirals are safe, with minimal adverse events (SOR: A, systematic review of randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Oral acyclovir does not significantly reduce the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (SOR: A, systematic review of RCTs). Valacyclovir and famciclovir may be more effective than acyclovir in reducing the risk of pain in herpes zoster (SOR: B, 2 systemic reviews of RCTs).