Which medication is prescribed for treating genital herpes?

Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication specifically used in the treatment of infections caused by certain viruses, including herpes simplex viruses that lead to genital herpes. It works by inhibiting viral DNA replication, which helps to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms associated with an outbreak. Additionally, it can help reduce the frequency of future recurrences and diminish the risk of transmitting the virus to others when taken as suppressive therapy.

In contrast, miconazole is an antifungal medication typically used to treat fungal infections, not viral infections like herpes. Flagyl, or metronidazole, is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections and certain parasitic infections but is not effective against viral conditions such as genital herpes. Cipro, or ciprofloxacin, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for various bacterial infections and also does not target the herpes virus.

Thus, valacyclovir is the appropriate choice for treating genital herpes due to its specific antiviral action against the herpes simplex virus.