Home Drug Guide Docosanol

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Docosanol

Brand Names Abreva

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiviral agents

Pharmacological: Fatty acid derivative

FDA Approved Indications

  • Herpes labialis (cold sores) of the lip

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits viral fusion with host cell membrane, preventing viral entry and replication.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Apply liberally to the affected area five times daily until healing occurs, for up to 10 days.

Pediatric: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under 12 years have not been established.

Geriatric: No specific dose adjustment required; use with caution and monitor for adverse reactions.

Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific data; use with caution.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal absorption through skin; systemic absorption negligible.

Distribution: Localized application; systemic distribution not significant.

Metabolism: Metabolized locally at the application site.

Excretion: Excreted in skin cells and superficial skin layers.

Half Life: Not applicable due to minimal systemic absorption.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to docosanol or any components of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Avoid contact with eyes.
  • Discontinue use if irritation, redness, or other signs of local adverse reactions occur.
  • Use only as directed; does not prevent the spread of herpes.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Application site reactions (burning, redness, itching) (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic skin reactions, such as rash or swelling (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

N/A

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No significant interactions reported.

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess for herpes simplex virus infection and history of hypersensitivity.

Diagnoses:

  • Impaired skin integrity related to herpes labialis

Implementation: Instruct patient to apply as indicated, wash hands before and after application, and avoid touching the cold sore.

Evaluation: Observe for healing of lesion and any adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Apply at first sign of cold sore for best results.
  • Use as directed and complete the course.
  • Keep the lesion covered to prevent spread.
  • Inform healthcare provider if no improvement in 10 days or if adverse reactions occur.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: No known genetic factors affecting use.

Lab Test Interference: No known interference with laboratory tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Local irritation or systemic hypersensitivity reactions.

Treatment: Discontinue use and provide symptomatic treatment; antihistamines or corticosteroids for allergic reactions if necessary.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable up to the expiration date when stored properly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.