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Compare Zovirax vs. Denavir

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Acyclovir (Zovirax) and penciclovir (Denavir) are both antiviral medications used to treat herpes virus infections, but they have some key differences. Acyclovir is available in multiple forms, including oral, buccal, and topical, while penciclovir is only available as a topical cream. Acyclovir can treat a variety of herpes infections, such as shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes, whereas penciclovir is specifically for cold sores. Acyclovir needs to be applied or taken multiple times a day, depending on the form, while Penciclovir must be applied every 2 hours while awake. Both medications are prescription-only and not available over the counter.

  • Acyclovir (Zovirax)
    Penciclovir (Denavir)
  • Acyclovir (Zovirax)
    Penciclovir (Denavir)

  • Summary of Zovirax vs. Denavir

    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
    Prescription only

    Penciclovir (Denavir) 1% cream is a prescription medication that's used to treat cold sores (also known as oral herpes) in people ages 12 years and older. Penciclovir (Denavir) is applied on the lips and around the mouth every 2 hours while you're awake, typically for 4 days. This medication works best if you start it as soon as you feel cold sore symptoms. Most people don't experience many side effects from penciclovir (Denavir), but some have reported mild skin irritation after application. Penciclovir (Denavir) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Zovirax vs. Denavir

    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 in people ages 12 years and older who have repeated outbreaks

  • Pros and Cons of Zovirax vs. Denavir

    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
    •Most people don't experience any side effects
    •Possible option during pregnancy, if directed by HCP
    •No significant interactions with other medications or supplements
    Cons
    •Need to apply the medication every 2 hours
    •Only shortens healing time by half a day compared to placebo
    •Might not work as well if you wait too long to start treatment

  • Common Side Effects of Zovirax vs. Denavir

    Common Side Effects for

    Ointment:

    •Burning and stinging at application site (30%)

    Cream:

    •Application site reaction (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Application site reaction (e.g., skin irritation)

  • Warnings of Zovirax vs. Denavir

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use on the skin only
    •Skin irritation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Use only on your skin
    •Bacterial infection

  • Prices with our coupons for Zovirax vs. Denavir

    Learn more about Acyclovir
    Learn more about Penciclovir

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