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 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 AntiviralPrescription onlyPenciclovir (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•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•Cold sores in people ages 12 years and older who have repeated outbreaksPros and Cons of Zovirax vs. Denavir
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•Most people don't experience any side effects•Possible option during pregnancy, if directed by HCP•No significant interactions with other medications or supplementsCons•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 treatmentCommon Side Effects of Zovirax vs. Denavir
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 for•Application site reaction (e.g., skin irritation)Warnings of Zovirax vs. Denavir
Common Side Effects for•Blood disorders•Kidney problemsCommon Side Effects for•Use only on your skin•Bacterial infectionPrices with our coupons for Zovirax vs. Denavir
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