What prescription cream is used for cold sores?
Prescription drugs. The antiviral drugs used to treat cold sores include acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir), and penciclovir (Denavir).
What ointment is good for fever blisters?
The over-the-counter cold sore ointment docosanol (Abreva) may shorten the healing time of a cold sore. At the first sign of symptoms, apply it to the affected skin as directed on the package. Use a cotton-tipped swab to put medicine on a cold sore.
Do you need a prescription for acyclovir cream?
Topical acyclovir may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Acyclovir is available only with your doctor’s prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Ointment.
Can doctors prescribe anything for cold sores?
Antiviral medication: Cold sores are caused by a virus, so antiviral medications are used to treat them. Your dermatologist may prescribe medication that you: Apply directly to the sores, such as docosanol cream or acyclovir cream. Take by mouth, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir.
Can I put antibiotic ointment on a cold sore?
It should be applied 5 times a day, beginning at the first sign of outbreak, until the sore is gone. are not indicated to reduce duration of symptoms. Topical triple antibiotic ointments or systemic antibiotics may be used if there are any signs of a secondary infection.
Is there an over the counter version of acyclovir?
Is acyclovir (Zovirax) over-the-counter? No. In the United States, all formulations of acyclovir (Zovirax) are only available with a prescription. Abreva can be a good option if you are looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) medication for cold sores.
Will antibiotic cream help a cold sore?
Once it’s dry, stop the soaks and keep the area moist with a topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. This helps prevent secondary bacterial infection—meaning it keeps any opportunistic bacteria from jumping into the broken skin and causing you more trouble—and aids the healing process.
Is Zovirax still prescription?
ZOVIRAX Cream is a prescription medicine used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) that are recurring in adults and children 12 years of age and older, and who have normal immune systems.