About penciclovir
Topical antiviral medicine
Used for
- Treatment of recurrent cold sores on the lips or face caused by herpes simplex virus.
Usual adult dose
Apply a thin layer to affected areas every 2 hours while awake for 4 days, starting as early as possible.
Common side effects
- Local redness
- Burning or stinging
- Numbness or altered sensation
Important warnings
- For external use only; avoid eyes and inside the mouth.
- Not effective for genital herpes or preventing transmission.
- Cream should be started at the earliest tingling or signs of a cold sore.
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only when clearly needed; discuss risks and benefits with a healthcare professional.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether topical penciclovir passes into breast milk; use caution and avoid applying to the breast.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.