Abreva Alternatives Compared
| Abreva | Acyclovir | Valacyclovir |
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| Abreva (docosanol) | Acyclovir | Valacyclovir |
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Over-the-counter
Prescribed for Herpes Simplex (HSV). Abreva may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. |
Prescription only
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that treats infections caused by HSV-1, HSV-2, and varicella-zoster viruses such as chickenpox, genital herpes, and shingles. It is most effective when started within... View more |
Prescription only
Valacyclovir is an antiviral prodrug that is rapidly converted into acyclovir in the body. It should be started at the first sign of genital herpes or cold sore symptoms but is not a cure for these... View more |
Related suggestions Herpes Simplex (HSV)
Popular comparisons
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| More about Abreva (docosanol) | More about Acyclovir | More about Valacyclovir | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratings & Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Abreva has an average rating of 4.5 out of 10 from a total of 426 ratings on Drugs.com. 36% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 56% reported a negative effect. |
Acyclovir has an average rating of 8.3 out of 10 from a total of 188 ratings on Drugs.com. 78% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 10% reported a negative effect. |
Valacyclovir has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 488 ratings on Drugs.com. 81% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 12% reported a negative effect. |
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| Drug Class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Side Effects | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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See also: Abreva side effects in more detail. |
See also: acyclovir side effects in more detail. |
See also: valacyclovir side effects in more detail. |
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| Generic Availability | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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N/A |
Lower cost generic |
Lower cost generic |
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| Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
View all Abreva prices |
View all acyclovir prices |
View all valacyclovir prices |
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| Dosage Forms Available | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Brand Names | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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N/A |
Sitavig, Zovirax | Valtrex | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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N/A |
4 hours |
3.1 hours |
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| CSA Schedule ** View glossary of terms | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
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| Pregnancy Category | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Category N
Not classified
See the full pregnancy warnings document. |
Category B
No proven risk in humans
See the full pregnancy warnings document. |
Category B
No proven risk in humans
See the full pregnancy warnings document. |
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| Drug Interactions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No known drug interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider. |
A total of 67 drugs are known to interact with acyclovir:
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A total of 67 drugs are known to interact with valacyclovir:
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| Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider. |
No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider. |
No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider. |
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| Disease Interactions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No known disease interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider. |
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| First Approval Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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July 25, 2000 |
January 25, 1985 |
June 23, 1995 |
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| WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
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| More Information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Patient resources | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Related Treatment Guide | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.