Which oral medication is listed as effective for post-herpetic neuralgia?

Which oral medication is listed as effective for post-herpetic neuralgia?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. NSAIDs
• C. Gabapentin
• D. Opioids

Answer: (C)

Post-herpetic neuralgia is a type of neuropathic pain that persists after a shingles outbreak. Treatments that target neuropathic pain pathways tend to be most effective here, and gabapentin fits that pattern. Gabapentin is a gabapentinoid that binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the dorsal horn, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release and dampening abnormal nerve signaling. This mechanism helps lessen the burning, shooting pain characteristic of PHN and is supported by evidence and guidelines as a first-line oral option for this condition. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs mainly address nociceptive (inflammatory) pain and typically offer limited relief for neuropathic pain like PHN. Opioids can be used in certain situations, but they come with higher risks and less preference for long-term neuropathic pain management, so they aren’t the stand-alone best choice for PHN in standard practice.

Post-herpetic neuralgia is a type of neuropathic pain that persists after a shingles outbreak. Treatments that target neuropathic pain pathways tend to be most effective here, and gabapentin fits that pattern. Gabapentin is a gabapentinoid that binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the dorsal horn, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release and dampening abnormal nerve signaling. This mechanism helps lessen the burning, shooting pain characteristic of PHN and is supported by evidence and guidelines as a first-line oral option for this condition.

Acetaminophen and NSAIDs mainly address nociceptive (inflammatory) pain and typically offer limited relief for neuropathic pain like PHN. Opioids can be used in certain situations, but they come with higher risks and less preference for long-term neuropathic pain management, so they aren’t the stand-alone best choice for PHN in standard practice.