Can you take acyclovir for a cold?

If your cold sore is especially painful or irritating, your doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel to alleviate pain or an antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence. The antiviral medicines available for treatment include acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).

Does acyclovir help after cold sore appears?

Using Valacyclovir After a Cold Sore Develops Studies show that valacyclovir significantly speeds up the healing process for cold sores, even if they’ve already developed and “erupted” around the lips and mouth.

How much acyclovir should I take for a cold sore?

For treatment of cold sores: Adults—2000 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours for one day. Children 12 years of age and above—2000 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours for one day.

Can acyclovir be used on lips?

What is acyclovir topical? Acyclovir topical (for the skin) is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat skin symptoms caused by the herpes virus. Acyclovir topical cream is used to treat cold sores on the lips and face.

How is penciclovir used to treat cold sores?

Penciclovir is used on the lips and faces of adults to treat cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus. Penciclovir does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching if applied when the earliest symptoms first appear. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Which is better topical acyclovir or penciclovir?

Topical acyclovir is prepared as a 5% cream and ointment. 2 Penciclovir is an acyclic guanine nucleoside analogue and is similar to acyclovir in potency and activity against HSV.

How old do you have to be to take penciclovir?

Penciclovir topical (for the skin) is an antiviral medication that is used to treat cold sores on the lips that are caused by the herpes simplex virus. penciclovir topical is for adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

How long is the half life of penciclovir?

Penciclovir is an acyclic guanine nucleoside analogue and is similar to acyclovir in potency and activity against HSV. Penciclovir inhibits viral DNA synthesis through competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase. 3 The half-life of penciclovir is approximately 7–20 hours, 3 and is available in a topical form, approved as a 1% cream. 2