Docosanol

Generic name: docosanol topical
Brand names: Abreva, Abreva Pump
Dosage form: topical cream (10%)
Drug class: Topical anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

What is docosanol?

Docosanol is a prescription medicine that is used to treat cold sores.

Description

Taclonex® Topical Suspension contains calcipotriene hydrate and betamethasone dipropionate. It is intended for topical use only. Calcipotriene hydrate is a synthetic vitamin D3 analog.

Chemically, calcipotriene hydrate is 9,10-secochola-5,7,10(19),22-tetraene-1,3,24-triol,24-cyclo-propyl-,monohydrate, (1α,3ß,5Z,7E,22E,24S) with the empirical formula C₂₇H₄₀O₃,H₂₀, a molecular weight of 430.6, and the following structural formula:

Calcipotriene hydrate is a white to almost white, crystalline compound. Betamethasone dipropionate is a synthetic corticosteroid. Betamethasone dipropionate has the chemical name Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-9-fluoro-11-hydroxy-16-methyl-17,21-bis(1-oxypropoxy)-(11β,16β), with the empirical formula C₂₈H₃₇FO₇, a molecular weight of 504.6, and the following structural formula:

Betamethasone dipropionate is a white to almost white, crystalline powder.

Each gram of Taclonex® Topical Suspension contains 52.18 mcg of calcipotriene hydrate (equivalent to 50 mcg of calcipotriene) and 0.643 mg of betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 0.5 mg of betamethasone) in a base of hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxypropylene stearyl ether, all-rac-alpha-tocopherol, butylhydroxytoluene, and mineral oil. Taclonex® Topical Suspension is an odorless clear to slightly off white suspension.

Before taking docosanol, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to docosanol; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take docosanol with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take docosanol?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take docosanol. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If docosanol is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Do not give docosanol to a child younger than 12 years old without first checking with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using docosanol while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is docosanol best taken?

Use docosanol as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Keep using docosanol as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Do not take docosanol by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Use at the first sign of a cold sore.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Put on affected part and rub gently.
• Makeup may be used after the skin has dried.
• Do not rub the cold sore. Rubbing the cold sore may make it worse. It may also cause the cold sore to spread to other areas around the mouth.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses or extra doses.

What are the side effects of docosanol that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad irritation where docosanol is used.

What are some other side effects of docosanol?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out docosanol?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.