Docosanol (Topical)

Docosanol is part of a group of medicines known as antivirals. Antivirals are used to treat infections caused by viruses. Typically, they work for only one type or group of virus infections.

Topical docosanol is used to treat the symptoms of herpes simplex virus infections around the mouth. While topical docosanol will not cure herpes simplex, it may help ease the pain and discomfort and may help the sores (if any) heal faster.

Docosanol is available without a prescription.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks of taking it versus the benefits it may provide. Here are some important points to consider:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your health care professional about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There isn't specific information comparing the use of docosanol in children to its use in other age groups, but this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older people. As a result, it may not be known if they work the same way in older adults as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of docosanol in the elderly to its use in other age groups.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In such cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do happen, they may need medical attention.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Headache

Less common

• Surface problems including:
• acne
• burning
• dryness
• itching
• rash
• redness
• soreness
• swelling

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Abreva

Available Dosage Forms:

• Cream

Therapeutic Class: Antiviral

Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or on the genitalia.

Docosanol is best used as soon as possible after the signs and symptoms of herpes infection (for example, pain, burning, or blisters) begin to appear.

Apply the medication to the sores (blisters); rub in gently and completely.

To help clear up your herpes infection, continue using docosanol for the full time of treatment. Do not miss any doses. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your health care professional or the OTC label indicates.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (cream): Adults and adolescents: Apply to the affected area(s), five times a day until sore is healed. Rub in gently and completely Children under 12 years of ageUse and dosage must be determined by your doctor.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.