DOCOSANOL (Topical)
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
Category
Description
Docosanol (doe-KOE-san-ole) belongsto the family of medicines called antivirals. Antivirals are used to treatinfections caused by viruses. Usually they work for only one kind or groupof virus infections.
Topical docosanol is used to treat the symptoms of herpes simplex virusinfections around the mouth. Although topical docosanol will not cure herpessimplex, it may help relieve the pain and discomfort and may help the sores(if any) heal faster.
Docosanol is available over the counter in the following dosage form:
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do.This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For docosanol, the followingshould be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusualor allergic reaction to docosanol. Also tell your health care professionalif you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy?Topical docosanol has not been studied in pregnantwomen. However, this medicine has not been shown to cause birth defects orother problems in animal studies using rats or rabbits.
Breast-feeding?It is not known whether docosanol passes intobreast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts,many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are takingthis medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children?Although there is no specific information comparinguse of docosanol in children with use in other age groups , this medicineis not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children thanit does in adults.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effectsor problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing useof docosanol in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescriptionOTC medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin.
Proper Use of This Medicine
Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or on the genitalia.
Docosanol is best used as soon as possible after thesigns and symptoms of herpes infection (for example, pain, burning, or blisters)begin to appear.
Apply the medication to the sores (blisters); rub ingently and completely.
To help clear up your herpes infection, continue usingdocosanol for the full time of treatment. Do notmiss any doses. However, do not use this medicinemore often or for a longer time than your health care professional or theOTC label indicates.
Dosing?The dose of topical docosanol can be differentfor different patients. Follow your doctor's orders.You may also follow the directions on the label if you are 12 years of ageor older. The following information includes only the average doseof topical docosanol. If your dose is different, do notchange it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For topical dosage form (cream):
- Adults and adolescents:
- Apply to the affected area(s), five times a day until sore is healed.
- Rub in gently and completely
- Children under 12 years of age
- Use and dosage must be determined by your doctor.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask yourhealth care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do notuse. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicinemay cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects mayoccur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Side effects may occur that usually do notneed medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment asyour body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if anyof the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
Other side effectsnot listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any othereffects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 12/22/2000
