Denavir

(Penciclovir)

Oral antiviral therapy is the most effective type of treatment for HSV infection. Topical medication has always had some interest because herpes was initially thought of as a skin condition. Acyclovir cream was initially tested and approved for use on genital herpes, but since oral acyclovir proved far superior to the cream, it is no longer recommended for genital herpes.

Penciclovir is available as a topical ointment for oral herpes (cold sores on the face and lips). Peniclovir, can be purchased over the counter in a 1 % topical cream known as Denavir. When applied to the skin, it inhibits the reproduction process of the herpes virus by interfering with the DNA production inside the viral partial. If applied every two hours while awake, Denavir shortens the healing time, decreases the pain, and reduces viral shedding. It remains questionable that this drug is useful for genital herpes so is recommended for cold sores, rather than HSV-2.

• Using Denavir cream at the initial signs of the onset of a cold sore (tingling, itching, burning) will reduce pain, and will help prevent the cold sore from appearing.


• Denavir is irritating to the eyes. Be careful not to use it near the eyes. Flush eyes with water if irritation occurs.


• Repeated use may cause drug resistance.


• Although this is only a 1 % topical cream, there are still side effects associated with its use. Headache, swelling, redness, rash and skin reactions have been reported. Rarely loss of skin sensation occurs where the cream has been applied and changes in the sense of taste. Report side effects to your doctor.


• If overdose or accidental ingestion is suspected such as a child eating the cream, call your local poison control center and your doctor immediately.