Docosanol (docosanol)
Topical Cream (Gram)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Docosanol is a naturally occurring 22-carbon saturated aliphatic alcohol with antiviral activity against various Herpesviridae, including herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1).
Docosanol is a naturally occurring 22-carbon saturated aliphatic alcohol. The drug has in vitro activity against various Herpesviridae, including herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The mechanism of action of docosanol in the treatment of herpes labialis lesions does not involve direct virucidal activity against HSV.
The drug appears to interfere with fusion of the HSV envelope and host cell membranes, thereby preventing HSV entry into host cells and subsequent viral replication.
USES: Docosanol is used to treat "cold sores/fever blisters" (herpes labialis). It can speed up healing of the sores and decrease symptoms (such as tingling, pain, burning, itching). It works by blocking the virus that causes the cold sores (herpes simplex) from entering the healthy skin cells and growing in number.
This medication does not cure herpes and does not prevent passing the infection to someone else. It does not prevent a future occurrence. Do not use this medication to treat canker sores (sores found commonly in the mouth), shingles, or genital herpes.
Generic name: docosanol
Pronunciation: (doe-COE-sah-noll)
Therapeutic class: Dermatological
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Docosanol
Indications
The following indications are listed for Docosanol:
- Herpes Labialis
Also known as: Herpes Simplex Type 1 Infection Of The Lip Or Nares, Hsv Type 1 Infection Of The Lip Or Nares.
Dosing
For self-medication of herpes labialis in adults and adolescents 12 years of age or older, docosanol 10% cream should be applied to the affected areas 5 times daily until lesions have healed (up to a maximum of 10 days). A sufficient quantity of the cream should be used to adequately cover the lesions and symptomatic area (e.g., area with tingling).
Topical docosanol therapy should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom (e.g., tingling, pruritus, redness, presence of a bump) of herpes labialis.
Docosanol 10% cream is applied topically to affected areas of the lips and surrounding skin.
The cream should not be applied in or near the eyes or inside the mouth.
Docosanol is supplied as a smooth, odorless, tasteless white cream that dries clear. When applying the cream, it should be rubbed in gently and completely.
Hands should be washed before and after the application process.
For best results, cosmetics should be removed from the affected areas prior to applying or reapplying docosanol cream.
Cosmetics may be applied to the lips or skin after docosanol cream is applied. To avoid spreading the HSV infection, a separate applicator (e.g., cotton swab) should be used to apply cosmetics or sunscreen over unhealed lesions.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to docosanol or any ingredient in the formulation.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
- Immunocompromised patient
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
Adverse effects occurring in 2% or more of patients receiving topical docosanol include headache, application site reaction (e.g., burning, stinging), and herpes simplex outside the treatment area; these effects have occurred at an incidence similar to placebo.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Less Frequent
- Erythema
- Pruritus of skin
- Skin rash
- Treatment site sequelae
Rare or Very Rare
- Acne vulgaris
- Dry skin
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 12 years of age; consult clinician before using in this age group.
Studies have not been conducted; consult clinician before use.
Studies have not been conducted; consult clinician before use.
No specific recommendations at this time.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Herpes labialis | ||
| B00.1 | ICD10CM | Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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