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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 Antiviral
    Prescription only

    Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral topical medication used to treat certain infections caused by the herpes virus, including cold sores on the lips and face, as well as genital herpes. It's FDA approved as a cream for people 12 years and older and as an ointment for adults. You typically apply it 5 to 6 times daily to the affected area. Common side effects include mild skin irritation, burning, or itching at the application site.

    Summary for Antiviral

    Docosanol (Abreva) is an antiviral cream used to treat cold sores (also known as fever blisters) on your lips or face. It works best when you start using it as soon as you notice symptoms. You apply it to the affected area 5 times a day until the cold sore heals. It's available over the counter (OTC) for people 12 years and older. Most people don't have many side effects from this cold sore treatment, but it might cause some mild stinging where you apply it.

  • Indications of Zovirax vs. Abreva

    Indications for
    •Genital herpes in adults - ointment only
    •Herpes infections in adults with a weakened immune system) - ointment only
    •Cold sores that keep coming back in people 12 years and older - cream only
    Indications for
    •Cold sores (fever blisters) on the face or lips
    •Shorten the healing time and reduce symptoms of cold sores like tingling, pain, burning, and itching

  • Pros and Cons of Zovirax vs. Abreva

    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    •Not many interactions with other medications
    •Applied directly to the affected area
    •Typically only used for 4 to 7 days
    Cons
    •Must be applied multiple times daily
    •Can cause burning and stinging at the application site
    •Ointment not FDA approved for children
    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    •Can shorten healing time and reduce symptoms of cold sores
    •Available over the counter
    •Can continue to use makeup
    •Side effects are usually mild
    Cons
    •Must be applied 5 times a day
    •Works best only if started at the first sign
    •Can only be used on the face or lips
    •Not a cure and won’t prevent future cold sores

  • Common Side Effects of Zovirax vs. Abreva

    Common Side Effects for

    Ointment:

    •Burning and stinging at application site (30%)

    Cream:

    •Application site reaction (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stinging or burning

  • Warnings of Zovirax vs. Abreva

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use on the skin only
    •Skin irritation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Zovirax vs. Abreva

    Learn more about Acyclovir
    Learn more about Docosanol

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