title: n-Docosanol 10% cream in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
abstract: n-Docosanol has been shown to have antiviral activity. To demonstrate the efficacy of n-docosanol 10% cream in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis, a randomised, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study was undertaken in 63 patients. In a crossover extension, 22 of the patients used the alternative treatment for a further episode. A total of 98 episodes were evaluated. Application of n-docosanol 10% cream early in the prodromal or erythema stage of a recurrent episode of herpes labialis shortened mean healing time by approximately 3 days, as compared to late treatment with n-docosanol 10% cream and early or late treatment with the placebo. The crossover study revealed that late treatment with n-docosanol 10% cream significantly reduced mean healing time compared to placebo. Treatments were well tolerated.
authors.affiliation: Medisch Centrum 't Gooi, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Habbema
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: De Boulle
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Roders
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Katz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005233:Fatty Alcohols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006560:Herpes Labialis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D005233:Fatty Alcohols; D009824:Ointments; C529236:docosanol