Drug reference

docosanol

Long-chain saturated alcohol · Antiviral (Antiherpesvirus)

Long-chain saturated alcoholAntiviral (Antiherpesvirus)

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Mechanism

Docosanol inhibits the in vitro replication of many lipid-enveloped viruses, including HSV. It does not inactivate HSV directly but appears to block fusion between the cellular and viral envelope membranes and inhibits viral entry into the cell.

Indications

recurrent orolabial herpes (over-the-counter 10% cream)

Related guidelines

Alcohol use disorder

MOHFW · Psychiatry · 2021

MASLD / non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

INASL · Hepatology · 2023

MASLD / non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AASLD · Gastroenterology · 2023

Substance use disorders

NIMHANS · Psychiatry · 2022

Hepatitis B — chronic infection

INASL · Gastroenterology · 2023

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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team