ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy and safety of etofenamate gel (foscavir+tramadoli hydrochloridum+gabapentin) in the treatment of acute herpes zoster. MethodsForty patients with acute herpes zoster neuralgia treated between January 2013 and June 2014 were randomly divided into two groups:control group and treatment group, with 20 in each. The patients had a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score of seven or higher. Patients in the control group accepted conventional treatment, while those in the treatment group were treated with conventional treatment combined with etofenamate gel. Two weeks after treatment, VAS score, quality of life and sleep score, and the degree of improvement in skin paresthesia were evaluated and compared between the two groups. ResultsThe VAS score decreased significantly in both the two groups after treatment (P < 0.05), and the decrease in the treatment group was significantly more obvious (P < 0.05). The quality of life, sleep score and the degree of improvement in skin paresthesia were ameliorated significantly after treatment (P < 0.05), and the amelioration in the treatment group was significantly greater (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe early application of Ordofen can strengthen analgesia effect of the conventional treatment, improve the quality of life and sleep, and reduce skin paresthesia.