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. 

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.

Administration

Topical Administration

Apply topically to affected areas of the lips and surrounding skin as a 10% cream.1 5

Do not apply in or near the eyes or inside the mouth.1 5

Supplied as a smooth, odorless, tasteless white cream that dries clear.10 When applying, rub in gently and completely.1

Wash hands before and after application process.1 10

For best results, remove any cosmetics from affected areas prior to applying or reapplying the 10% cream.1 10

Cosmetics may be applied to lips or skin after application of the 10% cream.1 10 Avoid spreading the HSV infection by using a separate applicator (e.g., cotton swab) to apply cosmetics or sunscreen over unhealed lesions.1 10

Dosage

Pediatric Patients

Children≥12 years of age: Apply to affected areas 5 times daily until healed (maximum 10 days).1 5 Use sufficient quantity to adequately cover lesions and symptomatic area (e.g., area with tingling).1 5

Initiate at earliest sign or symptom (i.e., tingling, pruritus, redness, presence of a bump) of herpes labialis.1

Adults

Apply to affected areas 5 times daily until healed (maximum 10 days).1 5 Use sufficient quantity to adequately cover lesions and symptomatic area (e.g., area with tingling).1 5

Initiate at earliest sign or symptom (i.e., tingling, pruritus, redness, presence of a bump) of herpes labialis.1

Prescribing Limits

Maximum 10 days of treatment.1

Special Populations

No special population recommendations at this time.5

• If you have an allergy to docosanol or any other part of docosanol.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take docosanol. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If this medicine is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Do not give docosanol to a child younger than 12 years old without first checking with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.