What is equal to Abreva?

What is equal to Abreva?

Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Abreva (docosanol cream) are antiviral medications used to treat herpes labialis (cold sores). Valtrex is also used to treat infections with herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes simplex genitalis (genital herpes). Abreva is available as a generic and over-the-counter (OTC).

What active ingredient is best for cold sores?

Because cold sores are caused by a virus, doctors may suggest an antiviral medication to help you heal more quickly. The antiviral drugs used to treat cold sores include acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir), and penciclovir (Denavir).

What works just as good as Abreva?

To boost the healing effects of the Abreva, you could also mix in some hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation. If you don’t have Xerese (a prescription-strength cortisone cream for cold sores that’s antiviral), an over-the-counter hydrocortisone can be effective too.

Can you put lysine directly on a cold sore?

People can also use an ointment containing lysine to help treat cold sores. People can apply the ointment directly to the sore according to the instructions on the packaging until the infection clears. Lysine ointments and lip balms are available in pharmacies and online.

Can I put salicylic acid on my cold sore?

Salicylic acid acts by eroding thickened skin surfaces such as warts and calluses, and, when applied on the cold sore, where the skin is not as thick, it could cause further skin damage.

Which is better acyclovir or Docosanol?

All treatments were applied 3 times per day for 5 days. The results are shown in Figure 2. Acyclovir ointment was effective on all 3 days, whereas n-docosanol showed no benefit. The amount of reduction in the mean lesion area by acyclovir ointment on days 4, 5, and 6 was 23%, 31%, and 28%, respectively.

What vitamin helps cold sores?

Vitamin C plus flavonoids may help speed cold sore healing. Vitamin C has been shown to inactivate herpes viruses in the test tube. In one study, people with herpes infections received either a placebo or 200 mg of vitamin C plus 200 mg of flavonoids, each taken three to five times per day.

What is better Valtrex or acyclovir?

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir (Zovirax) are antiviral drugs that work by interfering with viral DNA replication. Both drugs target the same viruses but valacyclovir provides longer duration of action, therefore, doses can be taken fewer times every day – this is the only real advantage.

Can I buy valacyclovir over the counter?

Valtrex is a prescription medication, and cannot be supplied over the counter without a prescription from a doctor.

Is there a generic Abreva?

The generic version of Abreva cold sore cream is called docosanol.

What does lysine do for cold sores?

Lysine may help to slow down or prevent the growth of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is responsible for cold sores. HSV-1 requires arginine, which is another amino acid, to grow. Lysine helps prevent the body from absorbing arginine, making it difficult for HSV-1 to grow and reproduce.