Dosing and uses of Abreva (docosanol cream)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
cream
- 10%
Cold sore/fever blister
Wash hands before using
Apply topically to cover all lesions 5 times/day; rub gently but completely
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
cream
- 10%
Cold sore/fever blister
< 12 years
- Safety & efficacy not established; ask a doctor
>12 years
- Wash hands before using
- Apply topically to cover all lesions 5 times/day; rub gently but completely
Abreva (docosanol cream) adverse (side) effects
1-10%
Headache
Application site reaction (e.g., burning, stinging)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Apply only to affected areas
Not for use in or near eyes
Avoid applying inside mouth
Sharing product with other people may spread infection
Stop using product if cold sore gets worse or not healed within 10 days
If swallowed by child contact poison control right away
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: NA
Lactation: Not studied
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Abreva (docosanol cream)
Mechanism of action
Exerts its antiviral effect on HSV by inhibiting fusion of the virus envelope with host cell plasma membranes, resulting in inhibition of viral entry into cells and subsequent viral replication
