Prescription
Prescription RequiredCompoundedAcyclovir | Lidocaine Lip Balm
Acyclovir | Lidocaine Lip Balm is a compounded topical treatment used to ease pain and speed healing of cold sores (herpes labialis) on or around the lips. Acyclovir fights the virus that causes cold sores, while lidocaine gently numbs the area to reduce burning, itching, and pain. This product is made in a pharmacy under strict quality standards and is only available with a prescription.
Requires a valid prescription from your provider. Not sure if it's right for you? Ask a pharmacist.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Compounded products are not FDA-approved and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice — always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
Clinical information
Medication information for patients and providers.
Use as directed by your healthcare provider. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at the same time. Your healthcare provider will decide how long you need to keep using the balm.
Acyclovir enters virus-infected skin cells and stops the viral DNA polymerase, which blocks new virus from forming. This slows the growth of the cold sore and helps it heal faster, usually within 2–4 days when started early. Lidocaine blocks sodium channels in nerve endings at the skin surface. Numbing starts in 2–5 minutes and can last up to 60 minutes, easing pain, itching, and burning so you can eat, drink, and talk more comfortably.
Do not use if you are allergic to acyclovir, lidocaine, other "-caine" anesthetics, or any ingredients in this balm (can cause serious rash or swelling). Do not use on eyes, inside the nose, or inside the mouth. Do not use on large, broken, or severely damaged skin because more medicine could enter your bloodstream. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider says it is safe. Not for use in children under 12 years old without medical advice.
Topical use leads to very low blood levels, but you should still tell your provider about all medicines and supplements you take. Using other topical antivirals, steroid creams, or local anesthetics on the same spot may increase irritation. Large amounts of lidocaine combined with other numbing medicines (like oral viscous lidocaine or benzocaine gels) can raise the risk of numbness spreading or rare blood problems. No known food interactions. Limit alcohol because it dries the lips and may slow healing.
Very common (more than 1 in 10 people): mild stinging or burning for a few minutes after application. Common (1–10 in 100 people): dry lips, mild redness, or flaking skin. Uncommon (1–10 in 1,000 people): swelling, itching, headache, altered taste. Rare but serious: allergic reaction with rash, hives, or trouble breathing; severe skin redness or blistering; dizziness or drowsiness from lidocaine over-absorption. Most local side effects go away within 15–30 minutes. Stop using and contact your healthcare provider if reactions are severe, worsen, or last more than 24 hours.
Store at room temperature (68-77°F, 20-25°C) in the original tightly closed tube. Keep away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in a hot car or bathroom. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Throw away any unused balm 12 months after first opening or by the expiration date, whichever comes first. Use a pharmacy take-back program or mix leftover balm with coffee grounds in a sealed plastic bag before placing in household trash.
Frequently asked questions.
Follow your provider’s directions. Many people apply it five times a day while awake, about every 3–4 hours. Do not exceed the number of daily applications your provider recommends.
The lidocaine starts numbing within a few minutes, so pain relief is quick. The acyclovir works over the next few days to shorten healing time, and most people notice their cold sore dries up 2–4 days sooner than without treatment.
Apply the medicated balm first and let it absorb for at least 15 minutes. After that, you can use a plain lip moisturizer or lipstick if it does not irritate your lips. Avoid sharing lip products to prevent spreading the virus.
Rinse your eye right away with lukewarm water for several minutes. If burning, redness, or blurred vision lasts longer than 15 minutes, call your doctor or seek medical care.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Small topical amounts are generally thought to pose low risk, but your provider will weigh the benefits and decide if it is right for you.
This compounded balm is not recommended for children under 12 unless a pediatrician specifically prescribes it. Younger children may absorb more lidocaine and are at higher risk for side effects.
No. It should be stored at normal room temperature. Keep the cap tightly closed to prevent the balm from drying out.
Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled application, skip the missed one. Do not apply extra balm to catch up.
Related products
View all →
Bring this to the bench.
Transfer an existing prescription, or have your prescriber send a new one.