Practice Question
Which statement best describes the clinical use of topical penciclovir?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Must be started during prodrome only to be effective
Rationale:
💎 Penciclovir works best during active viral replication, which occurs early in herpes labialis.
💎 Starting it during the prodrome (tingling, burning) shortens symptom duration and speeds healing.
💎 Once lesions crust, viral replication slows, making penciclovir much less effective.
💎 Therefore, early application is necessary for its antiviral mechanism to have therapeutic benefit.
❌ Incorrect Options
💎 Can be used at any stage – Wrong; loses efficacy late.
💎 Useful for genital herpes – Incorrect; genital disease needs systemic antivirals.
💎 Requires LFT monitoring – False; topical penciclovir has minimal systemic absorption.
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This question is from Pharmacology Exam 2 2025 which contains 51 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: General Exams
- Domain: 🚑Pharmacology
- Answer Choices: 4