Final Answer:
The drug used for pregnant mothers with HSV infection (recurrent or for suppressive therapy) is b) Valacyclovir.
Step-by-step explanation:
Valacyclovir is the preferred antiviral medication for the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in pregnant women. It is a prodrug of acyclovir, meaning it is converted into acyclovir in the body. Acyclovir is well-established as safe and effective in the treatment of HSV, and valacyclovir offers the advantage of better oral bioavailability. During pregnancy, the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus is of utmost importance, and valacyclovir provides an effective and convenient option for managing HSV infections.
Valacyclovir undergoes hepatic conversion to acyclovir, which is the active form of the drug. The conversion involves first-pass metabolism in the liver, resulting in the release of acyclovir into the bloodstream. This process ensures that the medication reaches therapeutic concentrations to effectively suppress HSV activity. The safety profile of valacyclovir during pregnancy, along with its proven efficacy, makes it a suitable choice for managing recurrent HSV infections or for suppressive therapy. It is crucial to weigh the benefits and risks when selecting medications during pregnancy, and valacyclovir's well-documented safety record supports its use in this context.
In summary, valacyclovir is the optimal choice for pregnant mothers with HSV infection due to its safety, efficacy, and convenient dosing. The prodrug nature of valacyclovir ensures efficient delivery of the active agent, acyclovir, providing reliable suppression of HSV while considering the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus.