CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Shingles - Management
Antivirals for 7 days
Age from 12 years onwards
Aciclovir tablets: 800mg five times a day for 7 days
Aciclovir 800mg tablets
Take one tablet five times a day for 7 days.
Supply 35 tablets.
Age from 16 years onwards
Valaciclovir tablets: 1g three times a day for 7 days
Valaciclovir 500mg tablets
Take two tablets three times a day for 7 days.
Supply 42 tablets.
Famciclovir tablets: 250mg three times a day for 7 days
Famciclovir 250mg tablets
Take one tablet three times a day for 7 days.
Supply 21 tablets.
Famciclovir tablets: 750mg once a day for 7 days
Famciclovir 750mg tablets
Take one tablet once a day for 7 days.
Supply 7 tablets.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement