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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffPrompt treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome can ease pain and decrease your risk of long-term complications. Medications may include:
- Antiviral drugs. Medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) or valacyclovir (Valtrex) often help combat the chickenpox virus.
- Corticosteroids. A short regimen of high-dose prednisone appears to boost the effect of antiviral drugs in Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
- Anti-anxiety medications. Drugs like diazepam (Valium) can help relieve vertigo.
- Pain relievers. The pain associated with Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be severe. Narcotic drugs — such as those containing oxycodone (Percocet, Oxycontin, others) or hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab, others) — may be needed.
References
- Herpes zoster oticus information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ramsay2/ramsay2.htm. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
- Davis LE. Varicella zoster virus deafness and vertigo. In: Flint PW, et al. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00153-1--s0090&isbn=978-0-323-05283-2&sid=1074288621&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00153-1--s0180&uniqId=224115609-5#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00153-1--s0180. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
- Neilan RE, et al. Otalgia. Medical Clinics of North America. 2010;94:961.
- Fort GG. Ramsay Hunt syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?sid=1074741540&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00027-5--sc0020&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00027-5--sc0020&uniqId=224270956-3. Accessed Oct. 27, 2010.
- Harpaz R, et al. Prevention of herpes zoster: Recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2008;57:RR-5.
- Guss J, et al. Infections of the external ear: Herpes zoster oticus. In: Flint PW, et al. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00138-5--s0110&isbn=978-0-323-05283-2&sid=1074768459&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00138-5--s0110&uniqId=224270956-6#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00138-5--s0110. Accessed Oct. 27, 2010.
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