Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

Which medication would typically be used to treat athlete's foot?

1. Amoxicillin

2. Fluconazole

3. Zyban

4. Ibuprofen

The correct answer is: Fluconazole

Athlete's foot is primarily a fungal infection that affects the skin between the toes and on the feet. The key to effectively treating such infections lies in the use of antifungal medications. Fluconazole is an antifungal drug that works by inhibiting the growth of fungi by interfering with their cell membrane formation. This specific action makes it appropriate for addressing fungal infections, including athlete's foot. While amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, it does not have any efficacy against fungal pathogens. Zyban is a brand name for bupropion, which is used primarily as an antidepressant and to aid in smoking cessation; it is not used to treat fungal infections. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation but does not target fungal infections. Fluconazole is effective in treating athlete's foot due to its antifungal properties, making it the right choice in this scenario.