Varicella zoster (chickenpox)
Treatment of varicella zoster
14 years old, treatment needs to be started within 24 hours of onset of rash.
Aciclovir
Aciclovir 800mg tablets
800mg 5 times daily for 7 days started within 24 hours of onset of rash
Prescribing Notes:
- Specialist advice should be sought for chickenpox in immunocompromised patients.
- Seek specialist advice for treatment in pregnancy.
- NSAIDs should be avoided in individuals suffering from varicella due to a suggested link between NSAIDs and skin and soft tissue complications of varicella.
- Consider parenteral therapy for disseminated infection.
History Notes
15/12/2021
East Region Formulary content agreed.
Treatment of varicella zoster
No antiviral treatment.
May be considered in children with onset of rash < 24 hours and one of the following: age > 14 years, dense/oral rash, severe pain, taking steroids, or smoker. See prescribing notes on formulations.
Aciclovir
Aciclovir 200mg tablets
See BNFc for dose and duration.
Aciclovir 400mg tablets
See BNFc for dose and duration.
Aciclovir 800mg tablets
See BNFc for dose and duration.
Aciclovir 200mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free
See BNFc for dose and duration.
Aciclovir 400mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free
See BNFc for dose and duration.
Prescribing Notes:
- Refer all neonates and immunocompromised patients urgently for specialist assessment.
- Refer to NICE CKS: Chickenpox.
- Aciclovir tablets may be dispersed in a minimum of 50ml of water or swallowed whole with a little water. Oral suspension is more expensive, reserve for when dose is < 200mg or if tablets are not tolerated.
- NSAIDs should be avoided in individuals suffering from varicella due to a suggested link between NSAIDs and skin and soft tissue complications of varicella.
History Notes
15/01/2024
East Region Formulary content agreed.