Denavir (Penciclovir) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Denavir

Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital) »

What are herpes simplex infections?

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause infections that affect the mouth, the face, the genitals, the skin, the buttocks, and the anal area. This article will concentrate on non-genital herpes. Many people acquire the virus and have no symptoms. For others, painful blisters appear near the area where the virus entered the body. Typically, the blisters heal completely but reappear at some point in the future when least expected (or desired). In between attacks, the virus resides deep in the roots of the nerves that supply the involved area. When herpes simplex lesions appear in their most common location, around the mouth and lips, people often refer to them as "cold sores" and "fever blisters."

What causes cold sores?

There are two types of HSV, type I and type II. In general, type I, also known as herpes labialis, causes infections above the waist, most commonly as oral "cold sores." Type II infectio...

Read the Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital) article »

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Denavir

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures

Quiz: Can You Identify These Skin Conditions?

Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

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Denavir®
(penciclovir) Cream 1%

For Dermatologic Use Only

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Denavir contains penciclovir, an antiviral agent active against herpes viruses. Denavir (penciclovir) is available for topical administration as a 1% white cream. Each gram of Denavir contains 10 mg of penciclovir and the following inactive ingredients: cetomacrogol 1000 BP, cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, propylene glycol, purified water and white petrolatum.

Chemically, penciclovir is known as 9-[4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl) butyl]guanine. Its molecular formula is C₁₀H₁₅N₅O₃; its molecular weight is 253.26. It is a synthetic acyclic guanine derivative and has the following structure:

Penciclovir

Penciclovir is a white to pale yellow solid. At 20°C it has a solubility of 0.2 mg/mL in methanol, 1.3 mg/mL in propylene glycol, and 1.7 mg/mL in water. In aqueous buffer (pH 2) the solubility is 10.0 mg/mL. Penciclovir is not hygroscopic. Its partition coefficient in n-octanol/water at pH 7.5 is 0.024 (logP= -1.62).

What are the possible side effects of penciclovir topical (Denavir)?

Serious side effects have not been reported with the use of penciclovir topical.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use penciclovir topical and talk to your doctor if you experience:

headache;
local numbness or tingling where the cream is applied;
changes in taste;
rash; or
irritation at the application site.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Denavir »

What are the precautions when taking penciclovir (Denavir)?

Before using penciclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to famciclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before...

Read All Potential Precautions of Denavir »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/9/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.