Docosanol (Cont.)

When and How to Take Docosanol

General considerations for when and how to take docosanol include the following:
 
  • The medication is to be used directly on the cold sore; it is not to be taken internally or to be used inside the mouth or nose.
     
  • Docosanol works best if you start using it at the first signs of a cold sore (tingling, redness, or a bump). You should apply it five times a day.
     
  • Wash your hands before and after each application. Apply the cream using a fingertip.
     
  • You can apply cosmetics on top of docosanol. However, you should use a disposable applicator (such as a cotton swab) to avoid spreading the virus to the cosmetic.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed by the package instructions.
     

Dosing Information for Docosanol

There is only one recommended docosanol dose, regardless of your age, weight, or other medications or medical conditions.
 
(Click Docosanol Dosing for more information.)
 

Docosanol Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with docosanol. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Possible side effects of docosanol include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Headaches
  • Painful menstrual periods
  • Stuffy or runny nose.
     
(Click Side Effects of Docosanol to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
(Docosanol Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;