Docosanol

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Cat Number

API661198

CAS Number

661-19-8

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

661-19-8

EINECS

211-546-6

Storage

2-8℃

Synonyms

n-Docosanol;Docosan-1-ol

Molecular Formula

C22H46O

Molecular Weight

326.6

Smiles

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCO

Appearance

White solid

Melting Point

65-72℃

Boiling Point

180℃

pKa

15.2

General Description

Docosanol is a saturated aliphatic alcohol with a 22-carbon chain (behenyl alcohol) that functions as a topical antiviral agent. Unlike classic nucleoside analog antivirals, its mechanism is independent of viral enzymes, and it is classified as a fusion inhibitor. The compound is formulated in cream preparations for the topical treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores).

Mechanism of Action

Docosanol acts by inhibiting the fusion of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) envelope with the plasma membrane of host cells during the early stages of viral entry. By blocking this fusion event, it prevents viral penetration and subsequent infection of healthy cells. This mechanism is broad-spectrum against multiple strains of HSV and is non-specific to viral enzyme systems.

Application

Docosanol is indicated for the topical treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent adults and adolescents. Applied early at the first signs of a cold sore outbreak (tingling, redness), it reduces the duration of symptoms and accelerates healing time.

Docosanol is a topical antiviral approved for over-the-counter treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores). Unlike nucleoside analogues (acyclovir, penciclovir) that inhibit viral DNA replication, docosanol has a unique mechanism of action: it is incorporated into host cell membranes, metabolized to phospholipid-like species, and inhibits fusion between the herpes simplex virus (HSV) envelope and the plasma membrane, blocking viral entry into cells. In vitro, docosanol shows activity against enveloped viruses including HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV, with IC50 values of 3-12 mM. No resistant strains have been documented. In two Phase III randomized double-blind trials using polyethylene glycol placebo, treatment initiated within 12 hours of symptom onset significantly reduced median time to complete healing. Early treatment (prodromal/erythema stage) showed greater benefit than late-stage initiation. Docosanol was well tolerated, and it is the first topical antiviral approved for OTC use.

References

Leung D T, Sacks S L. Docosanol: a topical antiviral for herpes labialis. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 2004, 5(12): 2567-2571.

What is the recommended storage condition for Docosanol?

It should be stored at 2-8°C in a well-sealed container, protected from moisture and direct light, to maintain its chemical integrity throughout the shelf life.

Is a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available for Docosanol?

Yes, a fully verified COA is issued for every batch and can be shared electronically. Additional documentation such as MSDS or impurity profiles may be requested separately.

Does your company offer custom packaging for Docosanol?

Yes, custom pack sizes are available. Specific quantity requirements can be discussed directly with our team to align with your production or research scale.

Can Docosanol be used as a reference standard?

Pharmaceutical-grade material meeting strict identity and specification criteria is available; for reference standard applications, please consult our technical team.

What quality standards govern the production of Docosanol?

Production is carried out under GMP-aligned quality systems with full traceability and documented quality controls for each manufacturing run.