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Abreva: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026

Abreva - General Information

Abreva 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). Abreva inhibits fusion between the plasma membrane and the herpes simplex virus (HSV) envelope, thereby preventing viral entry into cells and subsequent viral replication.

 

Pharmacology of Abreva

Abreva is a saturated 22-carbon aliphatic alcohol which exhibits antiviral activity against many lipid enveloped viruses including herpes simplex virus (HSV). Abreva speeds the healing of cold sores and fever blisters on the face or lips. It also relieves the accompanying symptoms, including tingling, pain, burning, and itching. Abreva cannot, however, prevent cold sores or fever blisters from appearing.

 

Additional information about Abreva

Abreva Indication

For the topical treatment of recurrent oral-facial herpes simplex episodes (cold sores or fever blisters).

Mechanism Of Action
Abreva works by inhibiting fusion between the human cell plasma membrane and the herpes simplex virus (HSV) envelope, thereby preventing viral entry into cells and subsequent viral replication. Unlike other cold-sore antivirals, docosanol does not act directly on the virus, and as such it is unlikely it will produce drug resistant mutants of HSV.
Generic Name
Docosanol
Synonyms
Behenyl alcohol
Drug Category
Dermatologicals; Antiviral Agents
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved; Investigational
Other Brand Names containing Docosanol
Abreva;
Absorption
Topical absorption has been shown to be minimal under conditions reflecting normal clinical use.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Symptoms of overdose include headache, abdominal pain, increased serum lipase, nausea, dyspepsia, dizziness, and hyperbilirubinemia.
Dosage Forms of Abreva
Cream Topical
Chemical IUPAC Name
docosan-1-ol
Chemical Formula
C22H46O
Organisms Affected
Herpes simplex virus