Pharmacology · single question
A patient with Bell's palsy presents for routine cleaning. When referring to the primary care physician, what medication will MOST likely be prescribed?
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Correct answer: A. Antivirals (acyclovir) + corticosteroids (prednisone)
Bell's palsy is idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy (presumed viral etiology, often HSV-1 reactivation). Standard treatment is: oral corticosteroids (prednisone) to reduce inflammation + antivirals (acyclovir/valacyclovir) to address possible herpes virus involvement. This combination improves recovery when started within 72 hours of onset. Gabapentin is for post-herpetic neuralgia — different condition. The source note confirms antiviral and gabapentin were both mentioned but antivirals + steroids are the standard Bell's palsy treatment.
- A. ✅ CORRECT – Bell's palsy: antivirals (acyclovir) + corticosteroids (prednisone) is the standard pharmacologic treatment.
- B. ❌ Gabapentin is used for post-herpetic neuralgia (pain after shingles) or trigeminal neuralgia — not standard Bell's palsy treatment.
- C. ❌ Antibiotics are not used for Bell's palsy — it is not bacterial in origin.
- D. ❌ Botulinum toxin may be used for facial synkinesis (long-term sequela) but is not the initial treatment.