Denavir, also known as Penciclovir, is an antiviral cream used to treat cold sores that appear on the face and lips that are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Denavir is available through prescription only. This antiviral cream works to prevent the cold sores from growing and needs to be applied at the first hint of a cold sore developing. Penciclovir cream does not cure herpes infections, what it is does is decreases the pain and itching associated with virus if the cream is applied right away.
It is important to note that Denavir has other uses as well that are not discussed here.
It is important to note that Denavir has other uses as well that are not discussed here.
How Does Denavir Work?
Denavir is considered inactive until it is applied to an infective area. Within the cell that is infected with the virus there is a viral thymidine kinase and it adds a phosphate group making the antiviral cream active. Once active the cream prevents cell duplication. In simpler terms the Denavir, the active ingredient in the cream penetrates into the infected cell and blocks replication and synthesis of the virus that causes cold sores.
How to Use Denavir
It is important that you use this antiviral cream precisely as directed by your medical care provider. If you have any questions about how to use it talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Generally speaking, Denavir is applied to the affected area every 2 hours during waking hours for no more than 4 days. Make sure area is cleaned first and dried. Apply the cream to the affected area with your finger or QTip, rub in until cream is absorbed. The cream will dry clear.
Denavir is only to be used on external cold sores on the lips and face. Never apply in the nose or near the eyes because it can cause irritation. The medication should also be stored at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
For best results the antiviral cream should be applied as soon as possible once symptoms are noticed. Should you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose.
Should you use the medication too much, or overdose, it is unlikely that it will cause any life threatening injuries. If an excessive amount has been used or consumed it is highly recommended that the poison control center be contacted immediately.
Generally speaking, Denavir is applied to the affected area every 2 hours during waking hours for no more than 4 days. Make sure area is cleaned first and dried. Apply the cream to the affected area with your finger or QTip, rub in until cream is absorbed. The cream will dry clear.
Denavir is only to be used on external cold sores on the lips and face. Never apply in the nose or near the eyes because it can cause irritation. The medication should also be stored at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
For best results the antiviral cream should be applied as soon as possible once symptoms are noticed. Should you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose.
Should you use the medication too much, or overdose, it is unlikely that it will cause any life threatening injuries. If an excessive amount has been used or consumed it is highly recommended that the poison control center be contacted immediately.
Denavir Benefits
Denavir works on both the tingle area and a blister. This medication does not contain any steroids. Smoothes on and dries clear. It also reduces the pain and duration of the cold sore and it penetrates deeply to block the virus that causes the cold sores.
Denavir Side Effects
Overall Denavir was well tolerated in the clinical studies. The most common complaint with using Denavir was a headache. This occurred in only 5.3% of the patients in the trials that received the medicated cream compared to the 5.8% of the patients that were given the placebo.
Other side effects experienced in approximately 2% of patients included site irritation, decreased sensitivity to local/touch anesthesia, rash and taste perversion.
Other side effects experienced in approximately 2% of patients included site irritation, decreased sensitivity to local/touch anesthesia, rash and taste perversion.