Abreva
Abreva Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Abreva exerts its antiviral effect on HSV by inhibiting fusion of the virus envelope with host cell plasma membranes, resulting in inhibition of viral entry into cells and subsequent viral replication.
Abreva is a saturated 22-carbon aliphatic alcohol which exhibits antiviral activity against many lipid enveloped viruses including herpes simplex virus (HSV). Abreva speeds the healing of cold sores and fever blisters on the face or lips. It also relieves the accompanying symptoms, including tingling, pain, burning, and itching. Abreva cannot, however, prevent cold sores or fever blisters from appearing.
| Trade Name | Abreva |
| Generic | Docosanol |
| Docosanol Other Names | 1-Docosanol, Behenic alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Docosanol, Docosyl alcohol, N-Docosanol |
| Weight | 10%, |
| Type | Topical, Topical Cream |
| Formula | C22H46O |
| Weight | Average: 326.6 Monoisotopic: 326.354866094 |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | Topical Antiviral preparations |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | United States, |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Abreva cream is used for the topical treatment of acute and recurrent oral-facial Herpes simplex episodes (Herpes labialis or cold sores or fever blisters).
Abreva is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Cold Sore
How Abreva works
Abreva works by inhibiting fusion between the human cell plasma membrane and the herpes simplex virus (HSV) envelope, thereby preventing viral entry into cells and subsequent viral replication. Unlike other cold-sore antivirals, docosanol does not act directly on the virus, and as such it is unlikely it will produce drug resistant mutants of HSV.
Dosage
Abreva dosage
Adults and Children of 12 years of age and older: Apply 5 times a day until healed. Treatment should be begun at earliest signs or symptoms of herpes infection (Blisters, open sores, pain in the infected area, itching, burning, tingling or numbness).
Side Effects
Generally Abreva is well tolerated. Rarely burning, dryness of skin, itching, rash, swelling & headache are seen after administration of Abreva.
Toxicity
Symptoms of overdose include headache, abdominal pain, increased serum lipase, nausea, dyspepsia, dizziness, and hyperbilirubinemia.
Precaution
Cream should only be applied to lips and face. Avoid application in or near the eyes. Emphasize hand washing following application. Do not touch the lesion to prevent spread to others or to other parts of the body.
Herpes infection is a recurring disease. Viral reactivation may be triggered by ultraviolet radiation or sun exposure, stress, fatigue, chilling. Other possible triggers include fever, injury, menstruation, dental work and infectious diseases (cold, flu).
Patients are advised to notify health care professionals if lesions do not heal in 14 days or if fever, rash or swollen lymph nodes occur.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Elimination Route
Topical absorption has been shown to be minimal under conditions reflecting normal clinical use.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. However, this medicine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies using rats or rabbits.
Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether Abreva is excreted in breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in breast milk, consideration should be given to discontinue nursing temporarily or withhold the drug while the mother is nursing.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity to Abreva or any other components of the formulation.
Acute Overdose
No instance of accidental ingestion of Abreva has been reported. If ingested, gastric lavage and general supportive measures should be employed.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Abreva
Abreva contains Docosanol see full prescribing information from innovator Abreva Monograph, Abreva MSDS, Abreva FDA label
