Docosanol

used to treat "cold sores/fever blisters" (herpes labialis). It can speed up healing of the sores and decrease symptoms (such as tingling, pain, burning, itching). It works by blocking the virus that causes the cold sores (herpes simplex) from entering the healthy skin cells and growing in number. This medication does not cure herpes and does not prevent passing the infection to someone else. It does not prevent a future occurrence.

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.

• 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.

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.

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 is used to treat "cold sores/fever blisters" (herpes labialis). It can speed up healing of the sores and decrease symptoms (such as tingling, pain, burning, itching). It works by blocking the virus that causes the cold sores (herpes simplex) from entering the healthy skin cells and growing in number. This medication does not cure herpes and does not prevent passing the infection to someone else. It does not prevent a future occurrence.

Do not use this medication to treat canker sores (sores found commonly in the mouth), shingles, or genital herpes.

How to use Docosanol topical

Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. Use this medication at the first signs of a cold sore (such as tingling, burning, redness, or a bump). Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication. Clean and dry the affected areas. Apply a thin layer of medication to completely cover the area of the cold sore or the area of tingling/itching/redness/swelling and rub in gently, usually 5 times a day every 3-4 hours, or as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply to skin only. Do not apply this medication in or near the eyes since this medication can irritate the eyes. If you do get medication in your eyes, flush with plenty of water. Do not apply inside the mouth or nose.

Remove any cosmetics from the affected area before applying. You may apply cosmetics after applying but use a separate applicator (such as a disposable cotton swab) on infected areas to prevent spreading the infection. If you accidentally wipe off the medication, reapply as soon as possible.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, type of infection, and response to treatment. Do not use this drug more often or for longer than directed.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best when the amount of drug absorbed by the skin stays at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Cold sores (herpes) can spread easily. Docosanol does not prevent the spread of herpes. Avoid close physical contact with others (such as kissing) during an outbreak until the cold sores have completely healed. Also, try not to touch the cold sore, and wash your hands if you do touch the cold sore.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor if your cold sores worsen or persist for more than 10 days.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Docosanol?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied allantoin, camphor, and phenol. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor

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 (the active ingredient contained in Docosanol). 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

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.