Zovirax vs Abreva

• Are Zovirax and Abreva the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Zovirax?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Abreva?
• What is Zovirax?
• What is Abreva?
• What Drugs Interact with Zovirax?
• What Drugs Interact with Abreva?
• How Should Zovirax Be Taken?
• How Should Abreva Be Taken?

Zovirax (acyclovir) and Abreva (docosanol cream) are antiviral medications used to treat different conditions caused by the herpes virus.

Zovirax is used to treat shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes.

Abreva is used to treat cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips. It shortens healing time and duration of symptoms such as tingling, pain, burning, and/or itching.

Common side effects of Zovirax include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• loss of appetite,
• stomach pain,
• headache,
• lightheadedness,
• swelling in your hands and feet,
• and feeling unwell (malaise).

Serious side effects of Zovirax include renal function problem.

Common side effects of Abreva include:

• skin itching,
• rash, and
• redness where the medicine is applied

Zovirax (acyclovir) is a synthetic nucleoside analogue that interferes with the replication of herpes viruses used to treat

• shingles,
• chickenpox,
• and genital herpes.

Abreva (docosanol cream) is a cold sore/fever blister treatment used to treat cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips. It shortens healing time and duration of symptoms such as tingling, pain, burning, and/or itching. Abreva is available as a generic and over-the-counter (OTC).

 

Zovirax may interact with probenecid. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Abreva may interact with other drugs.

 

Zovirax tablets are available in 200, 400 and 800 mg strengths and as a liquid suspension with 200 mg strength per 5 ml. Usual doses are 800 mg every 4 hours, 5 times a day for 10 days for shingles; doses for genital herpes infection are the same interval but start with 200 mg. Doses for chickenpox is the same as shingles except it goes for only 5 days for adults; for children ages 2 and up are weight based (20 mg per Kg) up to 40 Kg, 5 times a day for 5 days. Over 40 Kg, the person gets the adult dose for 5 days.

Apply enough Abreva cream to completely cover the cold sore and follow the directions on the package. Rub in gently but completely. Use 5 times a day until cold sores/fever blisters have healed.