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What antibiotic kills cold sores?
Valtrex (valacyclovir) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Valtrex for the treatment of cold sores in adults and children aged 12 years and older. The recommended dosage for treating cold sores is two 2-gram (g) doses of Valtrex, which a person should take 12 hours apart.
Is there an antibiotic for cold sores?
If your cold sore is especially painful or irritating, your doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel to alleviate pain or an antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence. The antiviral medicines available for treatment include acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).
Can amoxicillin cure cold sores?
Amoxicillin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold. Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using amoxicillin.
What is the best medication to put on cold sore?
The over-the-counter cold sore ointment docosanol (Abreva) may shorten the healing time of a cold sore. At the first sign of symptoms, apply it to the affected skin as directed on the package. Use a cotton-tipped swab to put medicine on a cold sore.
Can a pharmacist prescribe cold sore medication?
The law, which took effect on July 1, 2018, allows a pharmacist to prescribe either oral or topical antivirals for cold sores.
What is penicillin used for?
Penicillin V potassium is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections, scarlet fever, and ear, skin, gum, mouth, and throat infections.
What helps cold sores go away faster?
When used early, there are several remedies that can help ease the pain and reduce swelling — and may even shorten the duration of a cold sore:
- Cold, damp washcloth.
- Ice or cold compress.
- Petroleum jelly.
- Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
Does crushed ibuprofen help cold sores?
There’s nothing to gain by toughing it out. Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain and swelling, although this won’t make the cold sore go away.
Can I kiss my girlfriend if she has a cold sore?
Cold sores are contagious at all stages of the development and healing process, meaning you shouldn’t kiss anyone, share eating utensils, have oral sex or engage in any other oral contact throughout the entire process of a cold sore developing and healing.