A bronchial asthma patient on inhalational steroids presented with white patchy lesions on the tongue and buccal mucosa. What is the drug that can be used to treat this condition?

Options

  1. Clotrimazole
  2. Griseofulvin
  3. Terbinafine
  4. Flucytosine

Correct Answer

Clotrimazole

Explanation

The white patchy lesions represent oral candidiasis (thrush), a common complication of inhaled corticosteroid use. Inhaled steroids can cause local immunosuppression in the oropharynx, predisposing to fungal infections. Clotrimazole is the treatment of choice as: 1) It is available in topical formulations (troches/oral lozenges) for oral candidiasis, 2) It is effective against Candida species, 3) It has minimal systemic absorption when used topically. Prevention: patients should rinse mouth after using inhaled steroids. Other options: Griseofulvin is for dermatophytes, Terbinafine is for dermatophytes and onychomycosis, Flucytosine is reserved for systemic fungal infections.


← More NEET_PG PYQs