Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 271
Alice is using antiviral creams for her genital herpes. Which of the following is a potential side effect of the medication?
A. Vulvitis
B. Headache
C. Dizziness
D. Staining of the skin
Correct Answer: A. Vulvitis
Antiviral creams can cause vulvitis when applied to the genitalia to treat genital herpes. Acyclovir cream is used to treat cold sores (fever blisters; blisters that are caused by a virus called herpes simplex) on the face or lips. Acyclovir ointment is used to treat first outbreaks of genital herpes (a herpes virus infection that causes sores to form around the genitals and rectum from time to time) and to treat certain types of sores caused by the herpes simplex virus in people with weak immune systems.
Option B: Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir does not cure cold sores or genital herpes, does not prevent outbreaks of these conditions, and does not stop the spread of these conditions to other people.
Option C: Topical acyclovir comes as a cream and an ointment to apply to the skin. Acyclovir cream is usually applied five times a day for 4 days. Acyclovir cream may be applied at any time during a cold sore outbreak, but it works best when it is applied at the very beginning of a cold sore outbreak when there is tingling, redness, itching, or a bump but the cold sore has not yet formed.
Option D: Acyclovir ointment is usually applied six times a day (usually 3 hours apart) for 7 days. It is best to begin using acyclovir ointment as soon as possible after the client experiences the first symptoms of infection. Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully, and ask the doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that is not understood.