Docosanol Cream

Docosanol cream is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to treat cold sores and fever blisters.

Docosanol cream is available under the following different brand names: Abreva.

Adult and Pediatric Dosage Forms and Strengths

Cream

• 10%

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Cold sore/fever blister

• Wash hands before using
• Adults and children over 12 years: Apply topically to cover all lesions 5 times/day; rub gently but completely
• Safety and efficacy not established in children under 12 years; ask a doctor

Side effects of Docosanol Cream include:

• Headache
• Application site reaction (e.g., burning, stinging)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Docosanol Cream has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Docosanol Cream has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Docosanol Cream has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Docosanol Cream has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains docosanol cream. Do not take Abreva if you are allergic to docosanol cream or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Docosanol Cream?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Docosanol Cream?"

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

There is no information available about use of docosanol cream during pregnancy. Consult your doctor.

Docosanol cream use in lactating women has not been studied. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.