The active ingredient in Abreva cream is docosanol [1]. Docosanol is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus [2].
How does docosanol work to treat cold sores?
Docosanol works by preventing the herpes simplex virus from penetrating healthy skin cells [3]. It is believed to work by inhibiting the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane, thereby stopping the virus from entering and replicating [4].
What are the other ingredients in Abreva cream?
In addition to the active ingredient, docosanol, Abreva cream contains several inactive ingredients that help with its formulation and application. These include [1]:
* Benzyl alcohol
* Cetyl alcohol
* Cetyl esters
* Dimethicone
* Glyceryl stearate
* Methylparaben
* PEG-100 stearate
* Phenoxyethanol
* Propylparaben
* Purified water
* Stearyl alcohol
These inactive ingredients help to create a stable cream that can be applied topically to the affected area [1].
How is Abreva cream applied and how often?
Abreva cream is applied directly to the cold sore. It should be applied at the first sign of a tingle, bump, or itch [5]. The recommended application is to spread an even layer of cream over the affected area five times daily until the sore heals [6].
When does the patent for docosanol expire?
The patent landscape for docosanol and its applications can be complex, with various patents covering different aspects of its use. Information on specific patent expiry dates for docosanol is available through resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [7].
Are there any alternatives to Abreva cream for cold sore treatment?
Other OTC treatments for cold sores are available, often containing different active ingredients such as acyclovir or penciclovir in topical formulations. Prescription antiviral medications are also an option for severe or frequent outbreaks [8].
What are the potential side effects of using Abreva cream?
While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience minor side effects when using Abreva cream. These can include application site reactions such as redness, itching, or a stinging sensation [9].
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Sources:
1. https://www.abreva.com/our-products/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553199/
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/docosanol
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12093234/
5. https://www.cvs.com/shop/abreva-cold-sore-treatment-cream-prodid-1011079
6. https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/abreva-cream-cold-sore-treatment/ID=prod6040010-product
7. https://drugpatentwatch.com/
8. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371023
9. https://www.drugs.com/sfx/docosanol-topical-side-effects.html