Objective To determine the clinical efficiency and safety of Shuanghuanglian (freeze-dried) powder injection combined with famciclovir in treatment of herpes zoster. Methods A total of 63 elderly patients with herpes zoster admitted in the Third Outpatient Department and the Dermatology Center of Beijing Military General Hospital between March 2012 to March 2015 were prospectively enrolled and then randomly divided into 2 groups. The observation group (n=31) received a venous injection of Shuanghuanglian freeze-dried powder injection (derived from Chinese herbs), and antiviral drug (famciclovir), painkiller (Pregabalin capsule), nerve nutrition, and acupuncture and cupping therapy. The control group (n=32) were treated as the same as the observation group except for the venous injection of Shuanghuanglian freeze-dried powder injection. The therapeutic efficiency was evaluated based on the times of stopping blistering and crusting, and the pain relief in the 2 groups. Results After treatment, the total effective rate was up to 96.77% for the observation group, while 81.25% for the control group, with significant difference between them (P＜0.05). There were only mild adverse reactions observed in the 2 groups, but no statistical difference was found (P＞0.05). Conclusion Shuanghuanglian (lyophilized) powder injection is safe and effective in treatment of senile herpes zoster when combined with conventional anti-virus, pain relief, acupuncture and cupping, and neurotrophic drugs. It can significantly shorten the course and alleviate the pain for the patients.