How To Treat Shingles

Over-The-Counter Pain Medication

Over-the-counter pain medication may be beneficial for certain patients with shingles. Patients might need to try several types of pain relievers to find the one that works best for their needs, and some individuals may need to take a combination of pain relievers to manage their symptoms. When using over-the-counter pain medication, patients should take the lowest effective dose, and the medication should be used for the shortest possible time. Individuals with kidney, liver, or heart issues need to check with their doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs. They should also ask a pharmacist about potential drug interactions if they are taking other medicines or supplements. Over-the-counter pain relievers could contribute to kidney and liver damage, and they may cause stomach ulcers or increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding for certain patients. Patients should never take more than the recommended dose of any pain reliever, and they should check with a doctor if their pain persists or worsens after trying over-the-counter drugs for seven days. Prescription-strength pain relievers may be necessary in these cases.