What is Docosanol?
Docosanol belongs to the family of medicines called antivirals. Antivirals are used to treat infections caused by viruses. Usually they work for only one kind or group of virus infections.
Topical Docosanol is used to treat the symptoms of herpes simplex virus infections around the mouth. Although topical Docosanol will not cure herpes simplex, it may help relieve the pain and discomfort and may help the sores (if any) heal faster.
Docosanol is available over the counter.
Docosanol indications
For the topical treatment of recurrent oral-facial herpes simplex episodes (cold sores or fever blisters). (Cold sores;)
How should I use Docosanol?
Use Docosanol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Docosanol is for external use only. Apply only to affected areas. Do not get Docosanol in your eyes. If you get Docosanol in your eyes, rinse immediately with cool tap water.
- Wash your hands before and after applying Docosanol. Apply to affected area on face or lips at the first sign of a cold sore or fever blister (eg, bump, itch, tingle, redness). Early treatment ensures the best results. Rub the medicine in gently but completely.
- Use Docosanol 5 times a day until healed unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- For best results, remove any cosmetics prior to applying Docosanol.
- You may apply cosmetics (eg, lipstick) over Docosanol. Use a separate applicator, such as a cotton swab, to apply cosmetics over the unhealed sore to avoid spreading the infection.
- If you miss a dose of Docosanol, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Docosanol.
Docosanol description
Docosanol is a drug used for topical treatment for recurrent herpes simplex labialis episodes (episodes of cold sores or fever blisters). A saturated 22-carbon aliphatic alcohol, Docosanol exhibits antiviral activity against many lipid enveloped viruses including herpes simplex virus (HSV). Docosanol inhibits fusion between the plasma membrane and the herpes simplex virus (HSV) envelope, thereby preventing viral entry into cells and subsequent viral replication.
Docosanol dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex
Apply Docosanol topical in a quantity sufficient to cover the affected lesions and immediately surrounding skin five times a day until the lesions are healed.
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Treatment should start at the first sign of redness, tingling, raised bump, or itching. Docosanol topical should be reapplied if accidentally removed. Hands should be washed thoroughly before and after applying to prevent autoinoculation of other sites and the spread of the virus to other persons.
Cosmetics should be removed before application of Docosanol and may be reapplied afterward with a separate applicator. Hands should be washed before and after applying cosmetics.
In clinical trials, Docosanol inhibited lesions from progressing to blisters and reduced healing times of existing cold sores. It displayed greater efficacy when applied during the prodrome or erythema stage.
Docosanol side effects
See also:
What are the possible side effects of Docosanol?
Applies to Docosanol topical: topical cream
In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by Docosanol topical. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.
Minor Side Effects
Some of the side effects that can occur with Docosanol topical may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:
More common:
- Headache
- Surface problems including:
- acne
- burning
- dryness
- itching
- rash
- redness
- soreness
- swelling
What is the most important information I should know about Docosanol?
- Do not share this product with anyone. This may spread infection.
- Stop using Docosanol and contact your doctor if your cold sore gets worse or is not healed within 10 days.
- Docosanol is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 12 years of age without first checking with your doctor. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while using Docosanol, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Docosanol during pregnancy. It is unknown if Docosanol is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Docosanol, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Active ingredient matches for Docosanol:
Docosanol
| Unit description / dosage (Manufacturer) | Price, USD |
| Abreva 10% cream | $ 7.57 |
List of Docosanol substitutes (brand and generic names): | |
| Abrax (Israel) | |
| Cream; Topical; Docosanol (Cti) | |
| Abreva Drug Facts | |
| Abreva Topical | |
| Erazaban (Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia) | |
| Cream; Topical; Docosanol (Healthcare) | |
| Erazaban 10% (France, Poland, Slovakia) | |
| Erazaban 100 mg/g (Austria, Hungary) | |
| Healip (Denmark, Finland, Greece) | |
| Heloc (Norway) | |
| Herepair (South Korea) | |
| Lafrost (Bangladesh) | |
| Lanette 22 | |
| Lidakol | |
| Lidavol | |
| Muxan (Germany) | |
| Pigenil (Italy) | |
Reviews
The results of a survey conducted on ndrugs.com for Docosanol are given in detail below. The results of the survey conducted are based on the impressions and views of the website users and consumers taking Docosanol. We implore you to kindly base your medical condition or therapeutic choices on the result or test conducted by a physician or licensed medical practitioners.User reports
Consumer reported useful
No survey data has been collected yetConsumer reported price estimates
No survey data has been collected yetConsumer reported time for results
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Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology
