acyclovir/hydrocortisone (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Xerese

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosing Form & Strengths

acyclovir/hydrocortisone

topical cream

  • 5%/1%

Herpes Labialis

Indicated for early treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) to reduce the likelihood of ulcerative cold sores; shortens lesion healing time in adults and adolescents

Apply topically to lips and around mouth 5 times per day for 5 days; initiate as soon as possible after first signs and symptoms

Administration

Apply sufficient amount to cover affected area, including the outer margin

Avoid unnecessary rubbing of affected area to avoid aggravating or transferring the infection

Dosing Form & Strengths

acyclovir/hydrocortisone

topical cream

  • 5%/1%

Herpes Labialis

Indicated for early treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) to reduce the likelihood of ulcerative cold sores; shortens lesion healing time in adults and adolescents

<6 years: Safety and efficacy not established

≥6 years: As adults; apply topically to lips and around mouth 5 times per day for 5 days; initiate as soon as possible after first signs and symptoms

Administration

Apply sufficient amount to cover affected area, including the outer margin

Avoid unnecessary rubbing of affected area to avoid aggravating or transferring the infection

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Adverse Effects

<1%

Drying or flaking of the skin

Burning or tingling at application site

Erythema

Dryness

Pigmentation changes

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Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Cautions

For topical use only on lips and around the mouth

Local irritation reported

Therapy should be initiated following the first signs or symptoms

Not for application to eye

Contact health care professional of cold sore fails to heal in 2 weeks

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: B

Lactation: Unknown whether topical product distributed in breast milk, caution advised

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

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Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Acyclovir: Antiviral agent; synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with inhibitory activity against herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2)

Hydrocortisone: Glucocorticoid; elicits anti-inflammatory effects

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Images

No images available for this drug.
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Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

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The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

Tier Description
1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
Code Definition
PA Prior Authorization
Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL Quantity Limits
Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST Step Therapy
Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR Other Restrictions
Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.