docosanol; behenyl alcohol (Abreva)

Introduction

Tradename: Abreva. (Over the counter agent)

Indications

• topical agent for treatment of cold sores

Dosage

• apply 5 times/day
• more effective if used at 1st sign of outbreak

Pharmacokinetics

• shortens duration of cold sores by 1-2 days

Mechanism of action

• blocks Herpes virus from entering cells (not likely to lead to viral resistance)

More general terms

• alcohol
• antiviral agent

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=12620
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=529830