Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Herpes simplex - oral - Management
Topical antivirals: aciclovir or penciclovir

Age from 3 months onwards
Aciclovir 5% cream: apply five times a day for 5 days
Aciclovir 5% cream
Apply to cold sore five times a day for 5 days.
Supply 2 grams.
Age: from 3 months onwards
NHS cost: £1.09
OTC cost: £1.93
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Avoid contact with the eyes and the inside of the mouth or nose. Apply the cream as early as possible in the development of a cold sore, preferably when you feel it start to burn, itch, or tingle.
Age from 12 years onwards
Penciclovir 1% cream: apply every 2 hours for 4 days
Penciclovir 1% cream
Apply to cold sore every 2 hours (during waking hours) for 4 days.
Supply 2 grams.
Age: from 12 years onwards
NHS cost: £4.20
OTC cost: £6.49
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Avoid contact with the eyes and the inside of the mouth or nose. Apply the cream as early as possible in the development of a cold sore, preferably when you feel it start to burn, itch, or tingle.

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement