Final answer:
The medication that should be prescribed to a patient suffering from shingles to help decrease the chances of postherpetic neuralgia is Zovirax® (acyclovir).
Step-by-step explanation:
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. To help decrease the chances of postherpetic neuralgia, the recommended medication is Zovirax® (acyclovir). Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that can reduce the severity and length of symptoms, and diminish the risk of postherpetic neuralgia.