661-19-8

1-DOCOSANOL is white powder

Docosanol (Abreva) is a long-chain saturated alcohol that is clinically effective against HSV. It has in vitro activity against many enveloped viruses, including CMV, influenzavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.
Docosanol is not directly virucidal; instead, it blocks the entry of the virion into the host cell by inhibiting the fusion of the viral envelope with the host plasma membrane. Because it does not affect viral replication or protein production, it may be less susceptible to the development of resistance than other antiviral drugs.

Notclassified

1-DOCOSANOL is a 22-carbon straight chain alcohol licensed for over-thecounter sales for the topical treatment of herpes labialis. It is thought to act by blocking viral fusion with the host cell, although definitive studies are lacking. The clinical relevance of the antiviral activity has been debated and the place of this medication as a treatment of herpes labialis remains to be established.

Docosanol cream is approved for the over-the-counter treatment of herpes labialis. It shortens the duration of symptoms of cold sores and fever blisters but does not provide symptomatic relief.

Adverse effects of docosanol are minimal. Skin irritation occurs infrequently. Drug interactions are not anticipated.

Crystallise docosanol from ether or chloroform/ether. [Beilstein 1 IV 1906.]