The Leading 3 Prescription Cold Sore Medicines

There is plenty of information circulating about all of the new treatments for colds sores. However, it is important that you understand that the leading drugs known for the efficacy are also FDA approved. You may prefer to use a prescription cold sore medicine instead of other treatments to help cure your cold sore.

In this article we will discuss the 2 leading reputable cold sore medicines. The third and final medicine that we will also cover is Lipsovir, a cold sore medicine recently approved by the FDA.

Denavir Cream 1%

This antiviral prescription medicine used to treat cold sores is also available in generic format. Geneircally it is referred to as penciclovir topical. The FDA approved Denavir Cream for widespread use in 1996. It has been approved by the FDA only for external use. If used around the eyes or within the nose, you are likely to experience irritation.

Manufacturer's recommend that Denavir Cream be applied no more than once in a two hour period. Denavir should not be applied more than 9 times in a 24 hour period. Using it excessively is prohibited. In addition, Denavir should only be applied at the tingling phase of a cold sore. This is when the individual suspects a cold sore is developing. They would then apply the cream to the suspect area to prevent or minimize infection. Symptoms of an impending cold sore include inflammation and redness around the mouth and lips. It is imperative that you begin applying Denavir as soon as you notice an infection developing. This immediate action will make the cream work effectivly.

Zovirax Cream 5%

Zovirax is more commonly called acyclovir. This product works very similarly to Denavir Cream. It is also a topical prescription cold sore medicine that should only be used externally. Zovirax cream should not be applied more than 4 times each day. This cream can be very expensive. For it to work best, you should apply Zovirax during the tingling stage of the cold sore. However, it is still effective after this stage, and has been shown to help control and heal cold sore blisters.

How Zovirax and Denavir Work

Each of these prescription medicines for cold sores operates on the principle that they control and suppress cold sore activity. Though, they are not complete cures for cold sores and neither is designed to be used to prevent you from contracting cold sores. The cold sore virus will remain in the body even after Zovirax and Denavir have been applied. It will lie dormant in your body until your immune system becomes weak and then you may experience another infection.

Lipsovir

Lipsovir prescription cold sore medicine was approved by the FDA not too long ago to treat cold sores. Lipsovir is a combination of hydrocortisone and Acyclovir medicines. Lipsovir helps to quickly heal current fever blisters and prevent others from developing.

Valtrex and Famvir are two other types of prescriptions that can be used on cold sores. However, before trying any of these medications, it is important that you seek the opinion of your doctor. They will ensure that you are knowledgeable about how to use the medication safely.