Which medication is recommended for the treatment of herpes zoster?

Acyclovir is the recommended medication for the treatment of herpes zoster, also known as shingles. This antiviral drug is effective in reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms associated with herpes zoster by inhibiting viral replication. It works best when administered within 72 hours of the onset of the rash, which is crucial for achieving optimal therapeutic benefits. Acyclovir not only helps alleviate the acute pain associated with the rash but also aids in preventing complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia.

In contrast, amoxicillin is primarily an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections and is not effective against viral infections like herpes zoster. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may be used to reduce inflammation and pain, but it does not directly target the viral infection and is not a first-line treatment for herpes zoster. Lastly, gabapentin is commonly prescribed for neurological pain management and may help control the pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia, but it does not treat the underlying viral infection itself. Therefore, acyclovir remains the preferred choice for addressing herpes zoster.