Question

A 68-year-old man presents with a painful vesicular rash in a dermatomal distribution on the right side of his chest for 2 days. He describes a burning pain preceding the rash. What is the most appropriate antiviral treatment if started within 72 hours of rash onset, according to NICE CKS?

Accepted Answer

Oral aciclovir 800mg five times daily for 7 days

Answer

Topical aciclovir cream

Answer

Oral valaciclovir 500mg BD for 7 days

Answer

Oral famciclovir 250mg TDS for 7 days

Answer

No antiviral treatment, only analgesia

Practice question

A 68-year-old man presents with a painful vesicular rash in a dermatomal distribution on the right side of his chest for 2 days. He describes a burning pain preceding the rash. What is the most appropriate antiviral treatment if started within 72 hours of rash onset, according to NICE CKS?