Medications for Chickenpox
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed. Prescription Medications
Prescription MedicationsAntiviral medicationsCommon name:
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It may shorten the illness and lower the risk of problems from it. It may be given to people with severe chickenpox. It may also be given to people:
Some problems may be:
AntibioticsAntibiotics may be given to treat a chickenpox rash that has become infected. Some problems may be:
Immune GlobulinCommon names are:
Immune globulin is a blood product that contains antibodies to the chickenpox virus. It may be given to a person who has been exposed to chickenpox who:
Over-the-Counter MedicationsAntihistaminesCommon name:
Antihistamines are used to ease the itch that comes from the rash. The most common side effect is feeling sleepy. AntipyreticsAcetaminophenAcetaminophen may be taken to lower a fever. Note : Aspirin or aspirin products should not be given to a child who has an infection. It may cause serious problems. IbuprofenIbuprofen may be taken to lower fever. Some problems may be:
References:
Chickenpox. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chickenpox. Accessed September 8, 2020.
Chickenpox. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed September 8, 2020. Chickenpox (varicella). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed September 8, 2020. Gershon AA, Breuer J, et al. Varicella zoster virus infection. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015 Jul 2;1:15016. Last reviewed March 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Shawna Grubb, RN | |
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