Cold Sore Medicine
Cold sores can be annoying, unsightly, and painfully embarrassing. A full understanding of available treatments can help in choosing the best medication for cold sores.
While cold sores are not curable, there are several products available to help reduce the duration of an outbreak. Many of these cold sore medicines are available over the counter, but some are prescription only.
Available oral medicine for cold sores generally falls into two categories. Antiviral drugs inhibit the Herpes Simplex 1 and are usually prescription only. Dietary supplements are generally over the counter, naturally occurring substances.
Famciclovir is an antiviral drug that has been shown to be very effective at shortening the length of time a cold sore lingers. One large dose taken with food at the first signs of an outbreak can reduce the length of the symptoms by two days. Very low doses of famciclovir taken on a daily basis are believed by some to prevent outbreaks from ever manifesting. This method of prevention is still under investigation and has not been approved by the FDA. Recent studies with famciclovir have shown a reduction in amount of virus lying dormant in the central nervous system when this medication is taken immediately after the initial infection.
Like famciclovir, acyclovir is also an antiviral drug. Research on this drug also suggests a reduction in latent HSV-1 if taken in low doses on a daily basis. Again, this has not been FDA approved.
A third antiviral drug that has proved to be highly effective is valaciclovir. Taken at high doses twice a day for one day can shorten symptoms by two days. Studies using valaciclovir as a suppressive therapy have shown positive results.
Another product that is marketed as a cold sore cure is lysine. Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning the human body cannot make it. It is available as a dietary supplement over the counter. Some claims have been made that lysine inhibits the growth of HSV-1, but these claims are largely unsubstantiated and further research is needed in order to verify these assertions.
Aloe Vera pills are another dietary supplement available with no prescription. Research is limited as to the effectiveness in treating and preventing cold sores. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may have at least some effect at reducing the duration of outbreaks. Limited studies with aloe vera pills have shown a reduction in the virus, but more research is needed.
