South Dakota Medication Aide Practice Test

Prolonged or frequent use of topical antibiotics should be avoided primarily due to the potential for hyper-sensitivity reactions. When topical antibiotics are used too frequently over an extended period, the skin can become sensitized to the active ingredients. This sensitization may lead to adverse reactions such as contact dermatitis, resulting in redness, itching, and irritation at the site of application.

Additionally, overuse of topical antibiotics may also contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, rendering these medications less effective in treating infections over time. In contrast, promoting faster healing, enhancing effectiveness, or reducing the frequency of applications do not align with the reasoning behind limiting the duration of topical antibiotic use. Thus, the concern regarding hyper-sensitivity reactions is a key factor in ensuring safe and effective treatment with topical antibiotics.