Medical Education Library

Treating herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia: An evidence-based approach

Author and Disclosure Information

 

Disclosure

The authors reported no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article.

References

  1. Oxman MN, Levin MJ, Johnson GR, et al; Shingles Prevention Study Group. A vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. N Engl J Med. 2005;352:2271–2284.
  2. Bennett GJ. Neuropathic pain: An overview. In: Borsook D, ed. Molecular Neurobiology of Pain. Seattle, WA: IASP Press; 1997:109-113.
  3. Jung BF, Johnson RW, Griffin DR, Dworkin RH. Risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia in patients with herpes zoster. Neurology. 2004;62:1545–1551.
  4. Dworkin RH, Boon RJ, Griffin DR, Phung D. Postherpetic neuralgia: impact of famciclovir, age, rash severity, and acute pain in herpes zoster patients. J Infect Dis. 1998;178(suppl 1):S76–S80.
  5. Volpi A, Gross G, Hercogova J, Johnson RW. Current management of herpes zoster: the European view. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2005;6:317–325.
  6. Dworkin RH, Portenoy RK. Pain and its persistence in herpes zoster. Pain. 1996;67:241–251.
  7. Bowsher D. Pathophysiology of postherpetic neuralgia: towards a rational treatment. Neurology. 1995;45(12 suppl 8):S56–S57.
  8. Dworkin RH, Schmader KE. Epidemiology and natural history of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia. In Watson CPN, Gershon AA, eds. Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier Press; 2001:39-64.
  9. Tyring S, Barbarash RA, Nahlik JE, et al. Famciclovir for the treatment of acute herpes zoster: effects on acute disease and postherpetic neuralgia. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 1995;123:89–96.
  10. Kurokawa I, Kumano K, Murkawa K. Clinical correlates of prolonged pain in Japanese patients with acute herpes zoster. J Int Med Res. 2002;30:56–65.
  11. Zaal MJ, Volker-Dieben HJ, Wienesen M, et al. Longitudinal analysis of varicella-zoster virus DNA on the ocular surface associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Am J Ophthalmol. 2001;131:25–29.
  12. Wood MJ, Johnson RW, McKendrick MW, et al. A randomized trial of acyclovir for 7 days or 21 days with and without prednisolone for treatment of acute herpes zoster. N Engl J Med. 1994;330:896–900.
  13. Whitley RJ, Weiss H, Gnann JW Jr, et al. Acyclovir with and without prednisone for the treatment of herpes zoster: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 1996;125:376–383.
  14. Rice AS, Maton S. Gabapentin in postherpetic neuralgia: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study. Pain. 2001;94:215–224.
  15. Collins SL, Moore RA, McQuay HJ, Wiffen P. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants for diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia: a quantitative systematic review. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2000;20:449–458.
  16. Wong MO, Eldon MA, Keane WF, et al. Disposition of gabapentin in anuric subjects on hemodialysis. J Clin Pharmacol. 1995;35:622–626.
  17. Horizant (gabapentin encarbil) extended-release tablets [package insert]. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2012.
  18. Irving G, Jensen M, Cramer M, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of gastric-retentive gabapentin for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Clin J Pain. 2009;25:185–192.
  19. Jensen MP, Chiang YK, Wu J. Assessment of pain quality in a clinical trial of gabapentin extended release for postherpetic neuralgia. Clin J Pain. 2009;25:286–292.
  20. Wallace MS, Irving G, Cowles VE. Gabapentin extended-release tablets for the treatment of patients with postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Clin Drug Investig. 2010;30:765–776.
  21. Frampton JE, Foster RH. Pregabalin in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. Drugs. 2005;65:111–118.
  22. Kochar D, Garg P, Bumb RA, et al. Divalproex sodium in the management of postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. QJM. 2005;98:29–34.
  23. Watson CP, Vernich L, Chipman M, Reed K. Nortriptyline vs amitriptyline in postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized trial. Neurology. 1998;51:1166–1171.
  24. Dworkin RH, O’Connor AB, Backonja M, et al. Pharmacologic management of neuropathic pain: evidence-based recommendations. Pain. 2007;132:237–251.
  25. Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) delayed-release capsules [package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Lilly USA; 2011.
  26. Rowbotham MC, Goli V, Kunz NR, Lei D. Venlafaxine extended release in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Pain. 2004;110:697–706.
  27. Watson CP, Babul N. Efficacy of oxycodone in neuropathic pain: a randomized trial in postherpetic neuralgia. Neurology. 1998;50:1837–1841.
  28. Gilron I, Bailey JM, Tu D, et al. Morphine, gabapentin, or their combination for neuropathic pain. N Engl J Med. 2005;352:1324–1334.
  29. Boureau F, Legallicier P, Kabir-Ahmadi M. Tramadol in post-herpetic neuralgia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Pain. 2003;104:323–331.
  30. Hermann DN, Barbano RL, Hart-Gouleau S, et al. An open-label study of the lidocaine patch 5% in painful idiopathic sensory polyneuropathy. Pain Med. 2005;379–384.
  31. Davies PS, Galer BS. Review of lidocaine patch 5% studies in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. Drugs. 2004;64:937–947.
  32. Gammaitoni AR, Alvarez NA, Galer BS. Safety and tolerability of the lidocaine patch 5%, a targeted peripheral analgesic: a review of literature. J Clin Pharmacol. 2003;43:111–117.
  33. Watson CP, Tyler KL, Bickers DR, et al. A randomized vehicle-controlled trial of topical capsaicin in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. Clin Ther. 1993;15:510–526.
  34. Backonja MM, Malan TP, Vanhove GF, Tobias JK. C102/106 Study Group. NGX-4010, a high concentration capsaicin patch, for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study with an open-label extension. Pain Med. 2010;11:600–608.
  35. Kumar V, Krone K, Mathieu A. Neuraxial and sympathetic blocks in herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia: an appraisal of current evidence. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2004;29:454–461.
  36. Doi K, Nikai T, Sakura S, Saito Y. Intercostal nerve block with 5% tetracaine for chronic pain syndromes. J Clin Anesth. 2002;14:39–41.
  37. Kotani N, Kushikata T, Hashimoto H, et al. Intrathecal methylprednisolone for intractable postherpetic neuralgia. N Engl J Med. 2000;343:1514–1519.
  38. Harke H, Gretenkort P, Ladleif HU, et al. Spinal cord stimulation in postherpetic neuralgia and in acute herpes zoster pain. Anesth Anal. 2002;94:694–700.
  39. Barnard D, Lloyd J, Evans J. Cryoanalgesia in the management of chronic facial pain. J Maxillofac Surg. 1981;9:101–102.
  40. Jones MJ, Murrin KR. Intercostal block with cryotherapy. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1987;69:261–262.
  41. Xiao L, Hui H. Therapeutic effect of botulinium toxin A in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia by subcutaneous injection. Presented at: 26th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Pain Medicine; February 3-6, 2010; San Antonio, TX.
  42. Marin M, Güris D, Chaves SS, et al. Prevention of varicella: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2007;56(RR-4):1–40.
  43. Harpaz R, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Seward JF. Prevention of herpes zoster: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2008;57(RR-5):1–30.
  44. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Update on herpes zoster vaccine: licensure for persons aged 50 through 59 years. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2011;60(44):1528.
  45. Gnann JW Jr. Vaccination to prevent herpes zoster in older adults. J Pain. 2008;9(1 suppl 1):S31–S36.

Pages

Recommended Reading

Pretreatment Care Predicts HCV Outcomes
MDedge Family Medicine
Analysis Details the GI Disease Burden in U.S.
MDedge Family Medicine
Sternal SSIs, Mediastinitis Plummet Under Preop Decolonization Program
MDedge Family Medicine
Counseling Decreased TNF-Related Salmonella, Listeria Infections
MDedge Family Medicine
E-tests Pick Up Vancomycin Resistance Automated Systems Miss
MDedge Family Medicine
Stewardship Team Caught Drug Errors in Hospitalized HIV Patients
MDedge Family Medicine
Delay Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV Patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis
MDedge Family Medicine
Pneumonia Prevalence Highest of Health Care-Associated Infections
MDedge Family Medicine
A Look at Upcoming Surviving Sepsis 2012 Guidelines
MDedge Family Medicine
Third MMR Dose Helps Control Mumps Outbreak
MDedge Family Medicine