U.S. BRAND NAMES — Viroxyn® [OTC]
PHARMACOLOGIC CATEGORY
Antiseptic, Topical
DOSING: ADULTS — Topical: One single application treatment to affected area. Secondary events (new viral load in the initial lesion, which may occur 12-72 hours after initial symptoms) or additional sore presentations will require additional treatment with a new vial. See Administration information for application instructions.
Manufacturer states medication should not be used >3 times/day; however, instructions indicate that a single application is generally effective if instructions are followed.
DOSING: ELDERLY — Refer to adult dosing.
DOSAGE FORMS — Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, topical: Benzalkonium 0.13% in isopropyl alcohol [kit includes 3 single-dose applicators]
DOSAGE FORMS: CONCISE
Solution, topical:
Viroxyn® [OTC]: Benzalkonium 0.13% in isopropyl alcohol
GENERIC EQUIVALENT AVAILABLE — No
ADMINISTRATION — Use this product according to the following directions from the manufacturer:
1) Prior to treatment, clean area to be treated of all other preparations (ointments, treatments, lipstick). Do not use soap or other cleansers. A dry wipe may be sufficient, or you may use water or alcohol if necessary.
2) Remove cap from vial and replace on the other end over the clear plastic tube. Hold vial between thumb and index finger, applicator end up. Pinch vial in the center at top of cap until the inner ampul of medication breaks.
3) Hold white applicator down and allow medication to saturate the swab. If necessary, pinch vial gently until a drop of medication just appears.
4) Place the applicator against the area of skin to be treated so that the tip of the applicator is held flat against the skin. The key is to massage medication into the sore and the surrounding area by rubbing. Do not rub so hard that you cause damage to the skin. For best results, the patient should massage drug into the sore by rubbing. The rubbing should proceed for about 10 minutes or until all the drug has been massaged into the sore. The application may sting. This is normal and should subside quickly. For best results, medication must penetrate the subepidermal layers of the skin to site of infection. The ingredients facilitate penetration, but mechanical action is critical. Simply dabbing the drug onto the sore is not likely to give best results.
5) If treating at prodrome (tingling sensation before lesion erupts), a more vigorous rubbing is easily tolerated and gives best results. If the lesion has progressed to vesicle or ulcerated lesion, the patient may prefer to rub less vigorously but for a longer time period.
6) Keep applicator saturated at all times. If necessary, pause and hold vial so as to allow medication to flow into applicator. When finished recap vial. Dispose of immediately. Do not disassemble. Store at room temperature. Flammable; do not expose to high heat or flame. Keep out of reach of children.
ADVERSE REACTIONS SIGNIFICANT — Frequency not defined
Ocular: Irritation (following inadvertent contact)
Respiratory: Vapors may cause cough, dyspnea
CONTRAINDICATIONS — Hypersensitivity to benzalkonium chloride, isopropyl alcohol, or any component of the formulation
WARNINGS / PRECAUTIONS
Special populations: Pediatrics: Avoid use in children <2 years of age. Pregnancy: Avoid use in pregnant or lactating women.
Other warnings/precautions: Appropriate use: For topical use only; ingestion may lead to gastric irritation or distress. Avoid contact with eyes; flush with eye bath if inadvertent contact occurs. Avoid use of anionic cleansers or acidic products for at least 1 hour following application (active ingredient will be neutralized). Avoid the use of soap, toothpaste, cleansers, or drinks containing citric acid (including lemonade and orange juice). Should not be used >3 times/day. Flammable: Formulation in isopropyl alcohol is flammable; avoid use near sparks, flames, or high temperatures.
DRUG INTERACTIONS — There are no known significant interactions.
DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS — Avoid citric acid-containing beverages (eg, lemonade or orange juice) for at least 1 hour following application.
MECHANISM OF ACTION — Germicidal due to disruption of the viral capsid coat by the quaternary ammonium benzalkonium chloride ingredient.