What is Sitavig: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Sitavig overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Sitavig

Generic Names:

  • Sitavig

Uses:

  • Treats cold sores. This medicine is an antiviral.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiviral

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • Between cheek and gum

What is Sitavig used for?

What form(s) does Sitavig come in

  • Tablet

What are common Sitavig doses?

  • Tablet 50MG

Common Sitavig prescriptions

  • Sitavig
    2 tablets box

  • Sitavig
    50mg tablet

How to take Sitavig

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Use this medicine within 1 hour after you have the first symptom of a cold sore and before a cold sore begins. Apply the tablet on the same side of your mouth that has the cold sore symptoms.

  • To use: Peel back the cover of the blister pack to remove the tablet. Use a clean, dry finger to place the tablet on your gum. Place it above the tooth that is next to your front tooth. Press on your upper lip lightly for 30 seconds to make sure the tablet sticks.

  • The tablet will dissolve gradually throughout the day. Do not crush, chew, suck on, or swallow the tablet.

  • Do not chew gum, touch or press the tablet, wear upper dentures, or brush your teeth after you place the tablet.

  • You may eat and drink while the tablet is in place. Drink more liquids if your mouth becomes dry.

  • If the tablet does not stick or falls off within the first 6 hours, use the same tablet and place it back onto your gum. If it still does not stick, replace it with a new tablet.

  • If you swallow the tablet within the first 6 hours of applying it, drink a glass of water and place a new tablet on your gum.

  • Do not apply a new tablet if the tablet falls out or if you swallow it after it has been in place 6 hours or longer.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • If the tablet does not stick or falls off within the first 6 hours, use the same tablet and place it back onto your gum. If it still does not stick, replace it with a new tablet.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • The tablet will dissolve gradually throughout the day. Do not crush, chew, suck on, or swallow the tablet.

  • Do not chew gum, touch or press the tablet, wear upper dentures, or brush your teeth after you place the tablet.

  • If you swallow the tablet within the first 6 hours of applying it, drink a glass of water and place a new tablet on your gum.

  • Use this medicine within 1 hour after you have the first symptom of a cold sore and before a cold sore begins. Apply the tablet on the same side of your mouth that has the cold sore symptoms.

  • You may eat and drink while the tablet is in place. Drink more liquids if your mouth becomes dry.

  • Do not apply a new tablet if the tablet falls out or if you swallow it after it has been in place 6 hours or longer.

  • To use: Peel back the cover of the blister pack to remove the tablet. Use a clean, dry finger to place the tablet on your gum. Place it above the tooth that is next to your front tooth. Press on your upper lip lightly for 30 seconds to make sure the tablet sticks.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sitavig

Sitavig contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acyclovir or milk protein concentrate.

Sitavig warnings

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a weak immune system.

Sitavig interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a weak immune system.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Sitavig side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Pain or irritation of the gums

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