Which antiviral medication is commonly prescribed for managing genital herpes outbreaks?

Acyclovir is the antiviral medication commonly prescribed for managing outbreaks of genital herpes. It works by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms associated with an outbreak. Acyclovir is effective when administered orally, topically, or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's clinical situation.

The effectiveness of acyclovir in treating herpes is significant; it can help to lessen the pain and discomfort caused by the lesions and can also decrease the frequency of future outbreaks when taken as a suppressive therapy. This makes it an essential medication in the management of genital herpes, as it directly targets the viral infection responsible for the condition.

In contrast, the other medications listed do not serve this purpose; prednisone is a corticosteroid used primarily for its anti-inflammatory properties, amoxicillin is an antibiotic effective against bacterial infections, and ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief and inflammation. None of these options have antiviral properties suitable for managing a viral infection like genital herpes.