Compare Zovirax vs. Abreva
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Acyclovir (Zovirax) and docosanol (Abreva) are both antiviral medications used to treat cold sores, but they have some key differences. Acyclovir (Zovirax) is available in various forms, including oral pills, buccal tablets, and topical creams or ointments, and it requires a prescription. It treats a range of herpes virus infections, including genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. In contrast, docosanol (Abreva) is an over-the-counter cream specifically for cold sores on the face or lips. Acyclovir works by stopping the virus from making copies of itself, while docosanol prevents the virus from entering healthy cells. Acyclovir needs to be taken or applied multiple times a day, depending on the form, whereas docosanol is applied five times a day. Acyclovir can cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea, while docosanol's side effects are usually mild, such as stinging at the application site.
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)Docosanol (Abreva)
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)Docosanol (Abreva)
Summary of Zovirax vs. Abreva
Summary for AntiviralPrescription onlyAcyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of shingles, chickenpox, and herpes simplex virus infections (e.g., cold sores, genital herpes). It comes in many different forms, including oral pills that are usually taken 4 to 5 times a day, as well as topical cream or ointment that are typically applied 5 to 6 times a day. Some of the most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (for oral forms), and skin irritation (for topical forms). Acyclovir (Zovirax) is prescription only and not available over the counter.
Summary for AntiviralDocosanol (Abreva) is a cream that's applied to the face or lips to help treat cold sores (also known as fever blisters). It works best if you follow the directions and apply it 5 times a day as soon as your cold sore symptoms start. It's available over the counter (OTC) as a brand-name or lower-cost generic medication. Most people don't experience much side effects from docosanol (Abreva), but it might cause some mild stinging.
Indications of Zovirax vs. Abreva
Indications for•Oral capsule, tablet, and suspension:
•Genital herpes•Shingles (herpes zoster)•Chickenpox (varicella) in people 2 years and older•Ointment:
•Genital herpes in adults•HSV infections in adults with a weakened immune system•Cream
•Cold sores (herpes labialis) that keep coming back in people 12 years and olderIndications for•Lessen healing time and symptoms (tingling, pain, burning, itching) of cold soresPros and Cons of Zovirax vs. Abreva
Pros and Const for AntiviralPros•Comes in many different formulations•Can lower your risk of spreading the virus to others•Oral capsules, tablets, and suspension can be taken by children as young as 2 years old for chickenpox•Can shorten how long outbreaks last•Not many interactions with other medicationsCons•Needs to be taken or applied many times a day for treatment•Doesn't cure HSV and VZV infections, only controls the outbreak•Oral forms can cause unpleasant stomach side effects, like nausea and diarrhea•Doesn't completely prevent spreading the virus to others•Not available over the counterPros and Const for AntiviralPros•The only FDA-approved OTC medication that can shorten healing time of cold sores•Available over the counter as a brand-name or lower-cost generic•Can continue to use makeupCons•Needs to be applied 5 times a day•Needs to be started at the first sign of a cold sore for the best results•Can only be used on the face or lips•Doesn't come with an applicator, so it must be applied with your finger or a cotton swabCommon Side Effects of Zovirax vs. Abreva
Common Side Effects forOral capsules, tablets, and suspension
•Feeling unwell (up to 12%)•Nausea and/or vomiting (up to 5%)•Diarrhea (up to 3%)•Headache (up to 2%)Buccal tablet (Sitavig)
•Headache (3%)•Dizziness (1%)•Low energy (1%)•Pain at application site (1%)•Irritation at application site (1%)•Redness (1%)•Rash (1%)•Application site reaction (5%)•Burning and stinging at application site (30%)Common Side Effects forWarnings of Zovirax vs. Abreva
Common Side Effects for•Blood disorders•Kidney problemsCommon Side Effects for•Allergic reactionPrices with our coupons for Zovirax vs. Abreva
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