The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your healthcare provider if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your healthcare provider, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Prescription Medications

]]>Antiviral Medications]]>

  • Acyclovir (Zovirax)
  • Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
  • Famcyclovir (Famvir)

]]>Antibiotics]]>

]]>Varicella immune globulin (IG)]]>

  • Zoster immune globulin
  • Varicella-zoster immune globulin

Over-the-Counter Medications

]]>Antihistamines]]>

  • Benadryl
  • Antipyretics

]]>Acetaminophen]]>

  • Tylenol
  • Feverall
  • Neopap
  • Panadol

Ibuprofen

  • Motrin
  • Ibuprin

Prescription Medications

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Antiviral medications

Common name:

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that may be recommended for patients who are at risk for moderate or severe chickenpox, such as:

  • Children 12 or older or adults, especially those with any of the following:
    • Compromised immune systems
    • Skin disorders, especially ]]>eczema]]>
    • Chronic lung disease
    • Use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant drugs

Acyclovir given to persons of any age may help decrease the duration and severity of chickenpox and shorten the time of contagiousness to others. It is most effective when started in the first 24 hours after onset of chickenpox, and its effectiveness decreases significantly if begun more than 72 hours after the onset of rash.

Acyclovir can be taken orally. For adults, there is some evidence that the related drugs valacyclovir and famciclovir might be more effective. Acyclovir can be given by vein for severely sick or hospitalized patients, especially when the highest possible dosages are required. The drug inhibits the production of viruses in cells.

Possible side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Kidney problems, especially with the IV form or in dehydrated patients
  • Special precaution in those with kidney failure or using drugs which are potentially harmful to kidneys

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Antibiotics

Antibiotics are given in cases where the chickenpox rash has become infected by staphylococcal or streptococcal organisms. Some of these organisms may be resistant to common antibiotics, especially when infection is acquired in the hospital.

Possible side effects include:

  • Hives
  • Rash
  • Intense itching
  • Difficulty breathing

These are signs of an allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention.

Immune Globulin

Common names include:

  • Zoster immune globulin

Immune globulin is a blood product that contains antibodies to the chickenpox virus.

For prevention : It is given by injection immediately after exposure to the VZV virus (within 96 hours).

For treatment : In some patients, it can be given to help decrease the severity of chickenpox.

For prevention or treatment : It is usually only given to people who are at risk for severe complications from the disease. These include:

  • Adults
  • Newborns whose mothers have chickenpox
  • People who are immunosuppressed or very ill
  • Pregnant women
  • Some preliminary evidence suggests that immunization given immediately after exposure may also be effective in reducing a susceptible person’s risk of catching chickenpox.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Antihistamines

Common name:

Antihistamines are used to reduce the itch that comes from the rash. The medication can be taken orally or applied topically.

The most common side effect of oral antihistimines is drowsiness. Topical diphenhydramine can produce a severe allergic skin rash. I t can also cause severe sedation due to absorption from injured skin. It is generally not recommended for treating chickenpox.

Antipyretics

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Acetaminophen]]>

Common names include:

  • Tylenol
  • Feverall
  • Neopap
  • Panadol

Acetaminophen is taken to control high fever caused by chickenpox.

Note: Aspirin should not be given to children and adolescents under age 20 with chickenpox or other viral illnesses due to the possibility of ]]>Reye's syndrome]]>. Special caution in : glaucoma, peptic ulcer, obstructed urinary tract, hypothyroidism.

]]>Ibuprofen]]>

  • Motrin
  • Ibuprin

Ibuprofen is taken to control high fever caused by chickenpox.

Note: Ibuprofen should not be given to any one with peptic ulcer disease, kidney failure, high risk of bleeding disorder, known hypersensitivity. Special caution in: congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, those on anticoagulant.

Special Considerations

Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:

  • Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.
  • Do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor.
  • Do not share them.
  • Know what the results and side effects. Report them to your doctor.
  • Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one drug. This includes over-the-counter medication and herb or dietary supplements.
  • Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.