Topical n-docosanol for management of recurrent herpes labialis.

Division of Oral Medicine and Dentistry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. ntreister@partners.org

Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy 2010 Apr

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Recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) is a significant disorder with social and health consequences that affects upwards of 20 - 40% of the adult population. Docosanol is the only FDA-approved topical agent that is available over the counter for management of RHL. Its mechanism of action is unique compared with other available antiviral agents. The authors conducted a comprehensive search of the published preclinical and clinical literature on topical docosanol for RHL. All of the published literature relating to docosanol and its use for the management of recurrent herpes labialis was reviewed, from the first report of docosanol to 31 January 2010. The objective of this review was to summarize and critically evaluate the available literature with respect to topical docosanol's mechanism, safety and efficacy in the management of RHL. Ten percent docosanol cream is a safe and effective topical treatment for the management of RHL in immunocompetent adults, with essentially equivalent efficacy compared with other available prescription topical antiviral agents. Owing to its unique mechanism of action, there is little to no risk of developing resistance.

Citation

Nathaniel S Treister, Sook-Bin Woo. Topical n-docosanol for management of recurrent herpes labialis. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. 2010 Apr;11(5):853-60