Docosanol

Docosanol is an over-the-counter medication used to treat cold sores and fever blisters. Docosanol belongs to a group of drugs called antivirals. It helps to protect healthy cells from the cold sore infection. It shortens healing time and duration of symptoms of cold sores/fever blisters.

This medication comes in a cream form and is applied to the affected area of the face or lips 5 times a day. 

Common side effects of docosanol include redness and headaches. 

Docosanol is an over-the-counter medication used to treat cold sores and fever blisters on the face or lips in adults and children 12 years of age and older.

Docosanol may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Abreva

Common side effects of docosanol include skin irritation, burning or stinging, and headache.

This may not be a complete list of docosanol side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

No drug interactions have been determined by the manufacturer. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Docosanol is for external use only.

When using this product:

• apply only to affected areas
• do not use in or near the eyes
• avoid applying directly inside your mouth
• do not share this product with anyone. This may spread infection.

Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of docosanol, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

No studies have been conducted with docosanol in pregnant women. Consult your physician.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

No studies have been done with docosanol in breast-feeding women. Consult your physician.

Use docosanol exactly as directed.

For adults and children 12 years or over:

• wash hands before and after applying cream
• using a Q-tip or with clean fingers, apply cream to affected area on face or lips at the first sign of cold sore/fever blister (tingle)
• use enough to completely cover the affected area and the area around it
• early treatment ensures the best results
• rub in gently but completely
• use 5 times a day until healed, around every 3-4 hours while awake

If you miss a dose, apply as soon as your remember and then reapply the next dose on schedule.

Stop use and ask a doctor if your cold sore gets worse or is not healed within 10 days.

Use docosanol 5 times a day until cold sore/fever blister is healed.

• Keep this an all medicines out of reach of children.
• Store at room temperature.