Docosanol Brand Name– Abreva
What is Docosanol
Docosanol is a unique chemical compound also known as behenyl alcohol.
Docosanol can reduce the duration of symptoms attributed to cold sores and fever blisters caused by HSV, however, docosanol is not virucidal.
Because its mechanism of action differs from other antivirals (e.g., acyclovir, penciclovir, valacyclovir), docosanol is not considered a true antiviral, although it has been shown to have activity against acyclovir-resistant HSV.
On July 25, 2000 the FDA approved docosanol 10% cream under the trade name “Abreva(TM)” for the topical treatment for recurrent cold sores and fever blisters. (Older sources may refer to it by another name “Lidakol” which was dropped when the company changed its name from Lidak to Avanir.)
This cream is the first treatment for herpes simplex virus to be sold as an over-the-counter product. In its approval letter, FDA cautioned the manufacturer not to promote the product “as an antiviral or as providing symptomatic relief of cold sores.” (The FDA published a draft guidance in the March 8, 2000 Federal Register stating it disfavors the use of antiviral drugs in an OTC setting.)
Additionally, docosanol has been studied for the treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma and for molluscum contagiosum in AIDS patients.
A European patent was granted for n-docosanol in 9/93.
Indications
- herpes labialis
- herpes simplex virus type 1
- herpes simplex virus type 2
- Kaposi’s sarcoma
Side Effects
- headache
- skin irritation
Monitoring Parameters
- laboratory monitoring not necessary
Contraindications
- breast-feeding
- children
- immunosuppression
- ophthalmic administration
- pregnancy
Interactions
There are no drug interactions associated with Docosanol products.
