Which client should be considered for a prescription of acyclovir, valtrex, or Zovirax?

Which client should be considered for a prescription of acyclovir, valtrex, or Zovirax?

• A. A client with acne
• B. A client with a history of cold sores
• C. A client with eczema
• D. A client with active herpes zoster

Answer: (B)

Antiviral therapy with acyclovir, valacyclovir, or Zovirax targets herpesviruses, especially herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and varicella-zoster virus. These drugs work by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, which helps shorten outbreaks and can reduce recurrence when used for suppression. A client with a history of cold sores has recurrent herpes simplex virus-1 infection, making them a clear candidate for antiviral therapy to manage and prevent outbreaks. While antiviral treatment can also be used for shingles (active herpes zoster), the scenario here centers on a pattern of recurrent HSV-1 infections, so this patient is the best fit for prescription. The other options don’t indicate HSV infections, so they don’t align with the typical use of these medications.

Antiviral therapy with acyclovir, valacyclovir, or Zovirax targets herpesviruses, especially herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and varicella-zoster virus. These drugs work by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, which helps shorten outbreaks and can reduce recurrence when used for suppression.

A client with a history of cold sores has recurrent herpes simplex virus-1 infection, making them a clear candidate for antiviral therapy to manage and prevent outbreaks. While antiviral treatment can also be used for shingles (active herpes zoster), the scenario here centers on a pattern of recurrent HSV-1 infections, so this patient is the best fit for prescription. The other options don’t indicate HSV infections, so they don’t align with the typical use of these medications.