Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (
Valtrex) are approved
for shingles. Acyclovir is the oldest, most studied
of these drugs, but either famciclovir (Famvir) or valacyclovir (Valtrex), which are both metabolized into acyclovir, are now preferred to treat herpes zoster in most patients because they require fewer daily doses than the five doses needed with acyclovir.