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Prescribed Gabapentin With Acyclovir And Hydrocodone For Shingles. Safe?

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Posted on Wed, 16 Oct 2013
Question: Why did my doctor prescribe Gabapentin for shingles? She also prescribed acyclovir and hydrocodone
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hi and welcome to XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Acyclovir is antiviral medicine used for herpes infections. it is efficient drug which should always be used when there is evidence of herpes especially if there is lung,throat,genital or brain inflammation. for skin lesions,topical acyclovir may be used.

Gabapentin is anticonvulsant but also used as painkiller for neural pain which we find in shingles so this infection is indication for gabapentin. It should be used when there is moderate or significant pain.
Hydrocodone is also painkiller and I am not sure is it necessary to use gabapentin and hydrocodone both unless there is really intensive pain and burning sensation.
In every case, these 2 can be used together and nothing serious can happen but consult your doctor if you think that pain is so strong that requires these both painkillers.
Wish you good health. Feel free to ask. Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13886 Questions

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Prescribed Gabapentin With Acyclovir And Hydrocodone For Shingles. Safe?

Brief Answer:
Hi and welcome to XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Acyclovir is antiviral medicine used for herpes infections. it is efficient drug which should always be used when there is evidence of herpes especially if there is lung,throat,genital or brain inflammation. for skin lesions,topical acyclovir may be used.

Gabapentin is anticonvulsant but also used as painkiller for neural pain which we find in shingles so this infection is indication for gabapentin. It should be used when there is moderate or significant pain.
Hydrocodone is also painkiller and I am not sure is it necessary to use gabapentin and hydrocodone both unless there is really intensive pain and burning sensation.
In every case, these 2 can be used together and nothing serious can happen but consult your doctor if you think that pain is so strong that requires these both painkillers.
Wish you good health. Feel free to ask. Regards