Adults with cold sores brought on by the herpes simplex virus are treated with penciclovir on their lips and faces. When used as soon as the first signs show, penciclovir reduces pain and itching but does not treat herpes infections.

You should speak with your doctor or chemist for more details if you want to use this drug for a different purpose.

Cream form of penciclovir is available. It is often applied externally every two hours for four days while you are awake. Ask your doctor, chemist, or other medical professional to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you do not understand and carefully follow them. Follow the medication’s directions exactly. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often. As soon as symptoms start, take this drug.

To prevent the infection from spreading, thoroughly clean and dry the area before applying the cream. Use just enough cream to completely cover all wounds and gently rub it in.

Even if you feel well, keep taking penciclovir. Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking penciclovir.

Before using penciclovir,

• If you have an allergy to penciclovir, acyclovir (Zovirax), or any other medications, let your doctor and chemist know right away.
• In addition to vitamins, be sure to let your doctor and chemist know what prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking penciclovir.

As soon as you remember, take the missed dose; then, spacing the remaining doses for the day evenly apart. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. Applying a second dose to make up for a missed one is not advised.

There could be negative effects from penclovir. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Headache
• Inflammation where the application was made

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your chemist or the garbage/recycling agency in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments. Only the lips and face should ever be exposed to penciclovir. Keep it out of your eyes. Dry off and keep the affected area clean.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding prescription refills should be directed to your chemist. Call your doctor if you continue to experience infection symptoms after finishing the penciclovir.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.