Pharmacology · patient case question
What medication is used for treatment?
Patient case: Rash in the ear (Ramsay Hunt syndrome)
Scenario: A patient with a RASH IN THE EAR. (The case does not name the condition — it is Ramsay Hunt syndrome.)
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Famciclovir
- A. Ganciclovir is reserved for CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) infection and carries significant myelosuppressive toxicity.
- B. Fluconazole is an antifungal for candidiasis and has no antiviral activity.
- C. Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used for HIV and hepatitis B.
- D. Correct. FAMCICLOVIR (like aciclovir and valaciclovir) is active against HERPES SIMPLEX and VARICELLA-ZOSTER virus. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is VZV reactivation and is treated with a high-dose antiviral COMBINED WITH CORTICOSTEROIDS, ideally started within 72 hours of onset.