Drug Reference
Docosanol
Antivirals
OTC
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Antivirals
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Over-the-counter (OTC)
Brand names
Abreva
Available as
100 MG/ML · Topical Cream
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
Uses treats cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips shortens healing time and duration of symptoms: tingling, pain, burning, and/or itching
How to use / dosing
Directions adults and children 12 years or over: wash hands before and after applying cream apply to affected area on the face or lips at the first sign of cold sore/fever blister (tingle). early treatment ensures the best results rub in gently but completely use 5 times a day until healed children under 12 years: ask a doctor
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings Allergy Alert: This product may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include: hives facial swelling wheezing/difficulty shock rash If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. For external use only
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
- HERO FORCE SHIELD SUPERLIGHT SUNSCREEN SPF 30 (ZINC OXIDE) LOTION [CHURCH & DWIGHT CO., INC.]
- SPEED STICK IRISH SPRING ORIGINAL (ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLOROHYDREX GLY) STICK [COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY]
- EUCERIN RADIANT TONE TINTED SUNSCREEN SPF 50 (AVOBENZENE 3%, HOMOSALATE 10%, OCTISALATE 5%, OCTOCRYLENE 10%) LOTION [BEIERSDORF INC]
- MEDERMA PM (DIMETHICONE) CREAM [L PERRIGO COMPANY]
- LADY SPEED STICK INVISIBLE DRY POWER WILD FREESIA (ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLOROHYDREX GLY) STICK [COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY]
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.