n-Docosanol 10% cream in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

n-Docosanol has been shown to have antiviral activity. To demonstrate the efficacy of n-docosanol 10% cream in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis, a randomised, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study was undertaken in 63 patients. In a crossover extension, 22 of the patients used the alternative treatment for a further episode. A total of 98 episodes were evaluated. Application of n-docosanol 10% cream early in the prodromal or erythema stage of a recurrent episode of herpes labialis shortened mean healing time by approximately 3 days, as compared to late treatment with n-docosanol 10% cream and early or late treatment with the placebo. The crossover study revealed that late treatment with n-docosanol 10% cream significantly reduced mean healing time compared to placebo. Treatments were well tolerated.

Randomised crossover comparison of adrenal suppressive effects of dermal creams containing glucocorticosteroids.

To compare the effect of multiple dose treatment with fatty cream 0.1% hydrocortisone-17-butyrate (LLFC) and fatty cream 0.1% mometasone furoate (EFC), under occlusion on adrenal function, we performed an open label, randomised, two-period crossover study, lasting 30 days, in 12 healthy, male volunteers (age 18-45 y). Morning plasma cortisol and ACTH concentrations were determined before, during, and after the treatments, and a Synacthen test was performed before and during the treatments. Both agents suppressed plasma cortisol concentrations, EFC significantly more than LLFC. ACTH concentrations were normal and were comparable between the two treatments throughout the studies, while the Synacthen tests showed normal rises in cortisol levels. Both treatments were well tolerated. We conclude that EFC has a stronger suppressive effect on plasma cortisol values than LLFC, although for short duration treatments both suppressive effects are transient.