Acyclovir / Hydrocortisone Topical Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 17, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex Labialis

Apply a quantity sufficient to the affected area 5 times a day for 5 days

Comments:

• Initiate therapy as early as possible after the first signs/symptoms (i.e., during the prodrome or when lesions appear).
• Each dose should be applied to sufficiently cover the affected area, including the outer margin.

Use: For the early treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) to reduce the likelihood of ulcerative cold sores and to shorten the lesion healing time

Usual Pediatric Dose for Herpes Simplex Labialis

6 years or older: Apply a quantity sufficient to the affected area 5 times a day for 5 days

Comments:

• Initiate therapy as early as possible after the first signs/symptoms (i.e., during the prodrome or when lesions appear).
• Each dose should be applied to sufficiently cover the affected area, including the outer margin.

Use: For the early treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) to reduce the likelihood of ulcerative cold sores and to shorten the lesion healing time

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Apply topically 5 times a day for 5 days; initiate as soon as possible after the first sign of a cold sore.
• Avoid unnecessary rubbing of affected area to avoid aggravating or transferring infection; do not cover with a bandage.
• Avoid use of other skin products such as make-up or lip balm on the cold sore or the area around the cold sore.
• For cutaneous use only for herpes labialis of the lips and around the mouth; not to be used in the eye, inside the mouth or nose, or on the genitals.

Storage requirements:

• Store at controlled room temperature; do not freeze.

Patient advice:

• Patients should understand that this is not a cure for cold sores; cold sores are contagious and to prevent spread of the infection, patients should avoid rubbing the cold sore and should not share their tube.
• Patients should understand that there are other orofacial lesions which may be difficult to distinguish from a cold sore, therefore, patients should seek medical advice if a cold sore fails to heal within 2 weeks.
• Patients should speak with their healthcare provider if they are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.

See also:

Further information

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

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