Docosanol

• Uses treats cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips shortens healing time and duration of symptoms: tingling, pain, burning, and/or itchingICD-10: B00.9

Directions adults and children 12 years or over: wash hands before and after applying cream apply to affected area on the face or lips at the first sign of cold sore/fever blister (tingle). early treatment ensures the best results rub in gently but completely use 5 times a day until healed children under 12 years: ask a doctor

Allergy Alert: This product may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include: hives facial swelling wheezing/difficulty shock rash If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. For external use only

• Jul 25, 2000NDANDA020941Haleon Us Holdings
• Nov 19, 2018ANDAANDA208754P And L
• May 3, 2022ANDAANDA215839Alembic
• Oct 7, 2022ANDAANDA212385P And L Development
• Oct 26, 2023ANDAANDA214454Sun Pharma Canada
• Mar 1, 2024ANDAANDA217090Aurobindo Pharma Ltd

1. 1Drug Ineffective7,03248%
2. 2Oral Herpes2,44917%
3. 3Condition Aggravated1,95713%
4. 4Drug Administration Error1,77912%
5. 5Incorrect Drug Administration Duration8035.5%
6. 6Herpes Simplex7064.9%
7. 7Incorrect Product Administration Duration6374.4%
8. 8Lip Swelling5563.8%
9. 9Wrong Technique In Product Usage Process5513.8%
10. 10Product Quality Issue5393.7%
11. 11Inappropriate Schedule Of Drug Administration4933.4%
12. 12Application Site Pain4453.1%
13. 13Inappropriate Schedule Of Product Administration3992.7%
14. 14Product Complaint3742.6%
15. 15Hypersensitivity3182.2%

The 7 most recently updated of 7 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Docosanol as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.

• Efficacy and Safety of Acyclovir-penciclovir Cream Versus an Abreva in the Suppression of Herpes Simplex Virus Eruptions
  Completed · Phase 2 · Interventional · 40 enrolled · University of Utah
  NCT06558838updated 2026-01-05
• EDTA Eye Drops Compared to Abreva for Herpes Simplex Virus Eruptions
  Completed · Phase 2 · Interventional · 10 enrolled · University of Utah
  NCT04893577updated 2025-10-31
• Effectiveness and Safety of Topical Hyaluronic Acid of Different Molecular Weights in Xerotic Skin Treatment
  Completed · Phase 3 · Interventional · 36 enrolled · Indonesia University
  NCT06178367updated 2024-04-30
• A Comparative Split-Face Study of the Effects of a Retinol Alternative Cream on Improving Facial Skin Aging
  Completed · Interventional · 35 enrolled · Dime Beauty Co.
  NCT06125912updated 2024-02-22
• Topical and Oral Regimen for Skin Health
  Completed · Interventional · 74 enrolled · Integrative Skin Science and Research
  NCT04872946updated 2021-05-05
• An Open Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of BOR15001L7 for the Treatment of Cold Sores in Patients With Recurrent Herpes Labialis
  Unknown · Phase 2 · Interventional · 164 enrolled · Laboratoire Boreaderme Inc.
  NCT03977792updated 2020-09-07
• Comparison of Topical Antiviral Agents for Labial Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis)
  Unknown · Phase 4 · Interventional · 75 enrolled · Hadassah Medical Organization
  NCT00467662updated 2007-05-01

Frequently asked questions

What is Docosanol used for?

According to FDA labeling, Docosanol carries indications including: Uses treats cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips shortens healing time and duration of symptoms: tingling, pain, burning, and/or itching. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.

What class of drug is Docosanol?

Docosanol is classified as Antivirals.

What are the brand names for Docosanol?

Docosanol is marketed under brand names including Abreva.