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Medications for Herpes Simplex

About Herpes Simplex:  An infection caused by herpes viruses 1 or 2 -- which primarily affects the mouth or genital area.

Drugs Used for Herpes Simplex

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Drug name Rx / OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol Reviews Rating Popularity
acyclovir B N 71 reviews
8.0

Generic name: acyclovir systemic

Brand name:  Zovirax

Drug class: purine nucleosides

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Zovirax Cream B N 3 reviews
9.0

Generic name: acyclovir topical

Drug class: topical antivirals

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: Prescribing Information

Abreva N N 310 reviews
4.0

Generic name: docosanol topical

Drug class: topical anti-infectives

For consumers: dosage, side effects

For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph

acyclovir B N 9 reviews
8.0

Generic name: acyclovir topical

Brand names:  Zovirax Cream, Zovirax Ointment

Drug class: topical antivirals

For consumers: dosage, interactions,

For professionals: A-Z Drug Facts, AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Zovirax Ointment B N 2 reviews
8.0

Generic name: acyclovir topical

Drug class: topical antivirals

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

docosanol N N 320 reviews
4.0

Generic name: docosanol topical

Brand name:  Abreva

Drug class: topical anti-infectives

For consumers: dosage,

For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph

Zovirax B N 7 reviews
8.0

Generic name: acyclovir systemic

Drug class: purine nucleosides

For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects

For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

Blistex N N 2 reviews
6.0

Generic name: allantoin / camphor / phenol topical

Drug class: miscellaneous topical agents

For consumers: side effects

allantoin / camphor / phenol N N 2 reviews
6.0

Generic name: allantoin / camphor / phenol topical

Brand name:  Blistex

Drug class: miscellaneous topical agents

For consumers:

Topics under Herpes Simplex

Alternative treatments for Herpes Simplex

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Herpes Simplex. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Herpes Simplex.

Learn more about Herpes Simplex

Drugs.com Health Center

ICD-10 CM Clinical Codes (External)

Legend

Rx Prescription Only
OTC Over the Counter
Rx/OTC Prescription or Over the Counter
Off Label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X Interacts with Alcohol.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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