Drug Detail:Abreva (Docosanol topical [ doe-koe-sa-nol ])
Drug Class: Topical anti-infectives
Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex
Apply to affected area on face or lips 5 times a day beginning at the first sign of cold sore or fever blister (i.e., tingling)
Use: For the treatment of cold sores or fever blisters on the face or lips
Usual Pediatric Dose for Herpes Simplex
12 years or older: Apply to affected area on face or lips 5 times a day beginning at the first sign of cold sore or fever blister (i.e., tingling)
Use: For the treatment of cold sores or fever blisters on the face or lips
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- Rub in gently and completely
- Wash hands before and after use
Storage requirements:
- Avoid freezing.
Patient advice:
- Use a separate applicator (e.g., cotton swab) to apply cosmetics over an unhealed cold sore to avoid spreading infection.
- Remove cosmetics prior to application for best results.
- Begin using this drug at the first sign of a cold sore (e.g., tingling, redness, bump, or itching).