penciclovir topical

Generic Name: penciclovir topical (pen SYE kloe veer TAH pih kal)

Brand Names: Denavir

What is penciclovir topical?

Penciclovir is an antiviral medication.

Penciclovir is used topically for the treatment of recurrent cold sores.

Penciclovir topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about penciclovir topical?

Do not apply penciclovir topical to the inside of the nose or in or near the eyes, as it may cause irritation.

For best results, treatment with penciclovir topical should begin as soon as possible after symptoms appear.

Who should not use penciclovir topical?

Penciclovir topical is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use penciclovir topical during pregnancy without first talking to your doctor. It is not known whether penciclovir topical passes into breast milk. Do not use penciclovir topical if you are breast-feeding a baby without first talking to your doctor.

How should I use penciclovir topical?

Use penciclovir topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Penciclovir topical should be applied to cold sore lesions every 2 hours while awake for a period of four days, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Penciclovir topical should be used to treat cold sores on the lips and face only.

For best results, treatment with penciclovir topical should begin as soon as possible after symptoms appear.

Do not apply penciclovir topical to the inside of the nose or in or near the eyes, as it may cause irritation. Store penciclovir topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and use only your next regularly scheduled dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of penciclovir topical is unlikely to threaten life. If an excessive amount of the cream has been used, or if the cream has been ingested, contact a poison control center or an emergency room for advice.

What should I avoid while using penciclovir topical?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with penciclovir topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Penciclovir topical side effects

Serious side effects have not been reported with the use of penciclovir topical.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use penciclovir topical and talk to your doctor if you experience:

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  headache;

  
  


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  local numbness or tingling where the cream is applied;

  
  


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  changes in taste;

  
  


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  rash; or

  
  


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  irritation at the application site.

  
  

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Penciclovir topical Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex Labialis:

Apply cream to affected area every 2 hours while awake (8 times a day) for 4 days. Begin treatment as early as possible, preferably during the prodromal phase when lesions first appear.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Herpes Simplex Labialis:

Apply cream to affected area every 2 hours while awake (8 times a day) for 4 days. Begin treatment as early as possible, preferably during the prodromal phase when lesions first appear.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Herpes Simplex Labialis:

>=12 years: Apply cream to affected area every 2 hours while awake (8 times a day) for 4 days. Begin treatment as early as possible, preferably during the prodromal phase when lesions first appear.

What other drugs will affect penciclovir topical?

Do not use other topical medications to treat the same area at them same time as penciclovir topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

No other medicines have been reported to interact with penciclovir topical. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications during treatment with penciclovir topical.

More penciclovir topical resources

• Penciclovir topical Side Effects (in more detail)
• Penciclovir topical Dosage
• Penciclovir topical Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Penciclovir topical Support Group
• 7 Reviews for Penciclovir - Add your own review/rating

• Denavir Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Denavir Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Denavir Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Denavir MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Denavir Consumer Overview

Compare penciclovir topical with other medications

• Cold Sores

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about penciclovir topical written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: penciclovir side effects (in more detail)