Background pattern
ESSENCIALE N

ESSENCIALE N

Ask a doctor about a prescription for ESSENCIALE N

This page is for general information. Consult a doctor for personal advice. Call emergency services if symptoms are severe.
About the medicine

How to use ESSENCIALE N

INSTRUCTIONS for medical use of the medicinal product PEN-HERPEVIR®(PEN-HERPEVIR)

Composition

active substance: penciclovir; 1 g of cream contains penciclovir in terms of 100% substance - 10 mg; excipients: polyethylene glycol (macrogol) cetostearyl ether, cetearyl alcohol, purified water, propylene glycol, white soft paraffin, mineral oil.

Pharmaceutical form

Cream.

Main physical and chemical properties

Cream of white or almost white color.

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Chemotherapeutic agents for topical application. Antiviral preparations.

ATC code D06B B06.

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics

Penciclovir exhibits high selectivity in vivo and in vitro against human herpes viruses Herpes simplex (type 1 and 2), including acyclovir-resistant strains with altered DNA polymerase, Varicella zoster virus, as well as Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus. In virus-infected cells, penciclovir is rapidly converted to triphosphate (with the participation of thymidine kinase induced by the virus). Penciclovir triphosphate is retained in virus-infected cells for more than 12 hours, where it inhibits the replication of viral DNA, i.e. much longer than acyclovir. By blocking the replication of the virus, penciclovir significantly reduces the healing time, even after the development of papules and vesicles, reduces painful sensations and the duration of the crust formation period, which occurs under the influence of the virus. The half-life is 9, 10, and 20 hours in cells infected with Varicella zoster, Herpes simplex type 1, and Herpes simplex type 2 viruses, respectively. In uninfected cells treated with penciclovir, the concentration of penciclovir triphosphate is practically not determined. Thus, penciclovir does not affect uninfected cells.

Pharmacokinetics

When applied externally, 1% cream concentration of penciclovir in plasma and urine is not quantitatively determined.

Clinical characteristics

Indications

Herpes labialis (cold sore).

Contraindications

Increased sensitivity to penciclovir, famciclovir, or other components of the preparation (e.g. propylene glycol).

Interaction with other medicinal products and other types of interactions

No interactions have been found when using PEN-HERPEVIR®with other medicinal products (local or systemic action).

Special instructions

The cream should be applied only to the areas affected by herpes on the lips or skin around the mouth. It is not recommended to apply the cream to mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals). Particular caution should be exercised to avoid getting the cream into the eyes or areas around them.

If after 4 days of cream therapy the symptoms of the disease have not disappeared, you should consult a doctor.

To prevent the spread of the virus to other parts of the body and not to infect other people, the following rules should be observed:

  • always wash your hands before and after touching the affected area;
  • store the tube with cream in the original packaging, do not allow other people to use the cream;
  • try not to puncture the vesicles that form as a result of prolonged viral action;
  • try not to rub your eyes (the virus can affect the cornea of the eye);
  • avoid kissing, especially with children;
  • avoid sharing items through which the virus can spread: towels, cups, tableware, cigarettes.

The cream contains cetearyl alcohol, which can cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis). The cream also contains propylene glycol, which can cause skin irritation.

Patients with immunodeficiency (e.g. AIDS or bone marrow transplant recipients) should consult a doctor who can determine the need for therapy with orally administered agents.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Since clinical studies have shown a minimal level of systemic absorption of penciclovir after topical application, there are no concerns about the use of the cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, as the safety of penciclovir during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been tested, the preparation should be used during this period only after consulting a doctor, when the expected benefit of use for the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus/child.

Information on the penetration of penciclovir into breast milk is not available.

Fertility

There are no data on the effect of penciclovir on fertility in humans. Animal studies have not shown any effect on fertility with topical application of penciclovir.

Ability to affect reaction speed when driving vehicles or other mechanisms

No effect of the preparation on the ability to drive vehicles or other mechanisms has been noted.

Method of application and doses

For adults (including elderly patients) and children aged 12 years and older.

The cream should be applied every 2 hours (except during sleep).

The treatment course is 4 days. Treatment is preferably started as soon as possible, when the first signs of infection development appear. Before applying the cream, hands should be washed.

The cream should be applied with a clean finger in the amount necessary for the size of the affected skin area.

Children

The safety and efficacy of the preparation in children under 12 years of age have not been established.

Overdose

With topical application, overdose is unlikely. Even in the case of accidental oral ingestion of the contents of the entire package, no undesirable phenomena will be observed, since the oral absorption of penciclovir is low. However, irritation of the oral mucosa is possible. There is no need for specific therapeutic measures in case of accidental oral use of the contents of the entire package.

Adverse reactions

The frequency of adverse reactions is classified as follows:

  • very often (≥ 1/10);
  • often (from ≥ 1/100 to < 1/10);
  • uncommonly (from ≥ 1/1000 to < 1/100);
  • rarely (from ≥ 1/10000 to < 1/1000);
  • very rarely (< 1/10000);
  • frequency unknown (cannot be estimated from available data).

The cream was well tolerated in clinical trials. The most common adverse reactions were reactions at the site of cream application.

General disorders and administration site conditions: often (≥ 1/100, < 1/10): reactions at the application site (including pain at the application site, hypesthesia, burning sensation, tingling, numbness).

During post-marketing surveillance, the following adverse reactions were found (all reactions were local or generalized). The frequency of adverse reactions based on post-marketing data is difficult to calculate, so the frequency of such reactions is estimated as unknown.

  • Immune system disorders: frequency unknown: hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria.
  • Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: frequency unknown: allergic dermatitis (including rash, itching, blisters, and swelling, including face and lips).

In addition, cases of contact dermatitis (as a reaction to cetearyl alcohol) and irritation at the application site (as a reaction to propylene glycol) are possible. No cases of increased photosensitivity (pigmentation due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation on areas of skin treated with the cream) were observed during clinical trials of the PEN-HERPEVIR®cream.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions

Reporting adverse reactions after registration of a medicinal product is important. This allows monitoring the benefit/risk ratio of the use of this medicinal product. Medical and pharmaceutical workers, as well as patients or their legal representatives, should report all cases of suspected adverse reactions and lack of efficacy of the medicinal product through the automated information system for pharmacovigilance at: https://aisf.dec.gov.ua.

Shelf life

3 years.

Storage conditions

In the original packaging at a temperature not exceeding 30 °C.

Store in a place inaccessible to children.

Packaging

2 g in a tube. 1 tube in a pack.

Release category

Without a prescription.

Manufacturer/applicant

Kyivmedpreparat, PJSC.

Location of the manufacturer and address of the place of its activity/applicant's location and/or representative of the applicant

Ukraine, 01032, Kyiv, Saksaganskogo Street, 139.

Alternatives to ESSENCIALE N in other countries

The best alternatives with the same active ingredient and therapeutic effect.

Alternative to ESSENCIALE N in Spain

Dosage form: CAPSULE, 300 mg
Prescription not required
Dosage form: CAPSULE, 100 mg Dry extract of milk thistle (equivalent to 80 mg of silymarin)
Active substance: silymarin
Prescription required
Dosage form: INJECTABLE PERFUSION, 350 mg sodium silibinate
Prescription required
Dosage form: CAPSULE, 150 mg silymarin
Active substance: silymarin
Prescription required
Dosage form: TABLET, 4.6 mg dry extract Cynara scolimus (1:30-31); 1.2 mg dry extract Taraxacum officinalis (1:17-18); 0.7 mg dry extract Peumus boldus (1:10-11); 3.2 mg dry extract Silibum marianum (1:2-2.1)
Prescription not required
Dosage form: CAPSULE, 390 mg
Prescription not required

Alternative to ESSENCIALE N in Poland

Dosage form: Tablets, 200 mg
Manufacturer: Adamed Pharma S.A.
Prescription required
Dosage form: Concentrate, 5 g/10 ml
Marketing authorisation holder (MAH): Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH
Prescription not required
Dosage form: Tablets, 200 mg
Prescription not required
Dosage form: Concentrate, 5 g/10 ml
Marketing authorisation holder (MAH): Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH
Prescription not required
Dosage form: Concentrate, 5 g/10 ml
Marketing authorisation holder (MAH): Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH
Prescription not required
Dosage form: Granulate, 3 g/5 g
Marketing authorisation holder (MAH): Merz Pharma Austria GmbH
Prescription required

Online doctors for ESSENCIALE N

Discuss dosage, side effects, interactions, contraindications, and prescription renewal for ESSENCIALE N – subject to medical assessment and local rules.

5.0(3)
Doctor

Iryna Reznychenko

Gynecology25 years of experience

Dr Iryna Reznychenko is an obstetrician-gynaecologist, paediatric gynaecologist, and certified lactation consultant. She provides online consultations for women at all stages of life – from adolescence to menopause. Her work combines medical care for gynaecological conditions with dedicated support for breastfeeding challenges, both physical and emotional.

Areas of expertise:

  • interpretation of test results and personalised treatment planning
  • menstrual irregularities, PCOS, endometriosis
  • abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, cervical dysplasia
  • care during perimenopause and menopause, hormonal balance, cancer prevention
  • breastfeeding issues: nipple pain, cracked skin, blocked ducts, low milk supply
  • support during the postpartum and lactation period
Dr Reznychenko offers a clear, attentive and professional approach. Her consultations help prevent minor discomforts from developing into more serious concerns – all in a convenient online format.
CameraBook a video appointment
€50
Today12:00
Today12:50
Today20:00
Today20:50
November 710:30
More times
5.0(4)
Doctor

Salome Akhvlediani

Pediatrics11 years of experience

Dr Salome Akhvlediani is a paediatrician providing online consultations for children of all ages. She supports families with preventive care, diagnosis, and long-term management of both acute and chronic conditions.

Her areas of focus include:

  • Fever, infections, cough, sore throat, and digestive issues.
  • Preventive care – vaccinations, regular check-ups, and health monitoring.
  • Allergies, asthma, and skin conditions.
  • Nutritional advice and healthy development support.
  • Sleep difficulties, fatigue, and behavioural concerns.
  • Ongoing care for chronic or complex health conditions.
  • Guidance for parents and follow-up after medical treatment.

Dr Akhvlediani combines professional care with a warm, attentive approach – helping children stay healthy and supporting parents at every stage of their child’s growth.

CameraBook a video appointment
€45
Today12:15
Today12:55
Today13:35
Today14:15
Today14:55
More times
5.0(9)
Doctor

Tetiana Fursenko

Otolaryngology (ENT)4 years of experience

Dr. Tetiana Fursenko is an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist offering online consultations for both adults and children. She focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions of the upper respiratory tract using evidence-based medical guidelines and personalised treatment plans.

Common concerns addressed during consultation:

  • Nasal congestion, runny nose, sinusitis, rhinitis, and hay fever.
  • Ear pain, otitis (middle ear infections), earwax buildup, hearing loss.
  • Sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, chronic throat irritation.
  • Hoarseness, loss of voice, laryngitis.
  • Allergic rhinitis, sneezing, nasal itching, seasonal allergies.
  • Snoring, mouth breathing, enlarged adenoids.
  • Frequent colds, lingering post-viral symptoms.
  • Foreign objects in the ear or nose.
  • ENT-related check-ups and chronic condition follow-up.

Dr. Fursenko helps patients manage symptoms early, avoid complications, and receive timely treatment. Online ENT consultations are a convenient way to access care for both urgent and recurring conditions — from anywhere.

CameraBook a video appointment
€55
Today12:15
Today13:15
Today14:15
Today15:15
Today16:15
More times
5.0(1)
Doctor

Lina Travkina

Family medicine12 years of experience

Dr. Lina Travkina is a licensed family and preventive medicine doctor based in Italy. She provides online consultations for adults and children, supporting patients across all stages of care – from acute symptom management to long-term health monitoring and prevention.

Areas of medical care include:

  • Respiratory conditions: colds, flu, acute and chronic bronchitis, mild to moderate pneumonia, bronchial asthma.
  • ENT and eye conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, infectious and allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Digestive issues: gastritis, acid reflux (GERD), IBS, dyspepsia, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, functional bowel symptoms, intestinal infections.
  • Urological and infectious diseases: acute and recurrent cystitis, bladder and kidney infections, prevention of recurrent UTIs, asymptomatic bacteriuria.
  • Chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, excess weight.
  • Neurological and general symptoms: headache, migraine, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, anxiety, asthenia.
  • Chronic pain support: back, neck, joint, and muscle pain, tension syndromes, pain associated with osteochondrosis and chronic conditions.

Additional care areas:

  • Preventive consultations and check-up planning.
  • Medical advice and follow-up consultations.
  • Test interpretation and diagnostic guidance.
  • Structured support for undiagnosed complaints.
  • Second opinion on diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Nutritional and lifestyle support for vitamin deficiencies, anaemia, metabolic issues.
  • Post-operative recovery support and pain management.
  • Preconception counselling and postpartum support.
  • Immunity support and strategies to reduce frequency of infections.

Dr. Travkina combines evidence-based medicine with an attentive, personalised approach. Her consultations focus not only on treatment, but also on prevention, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

If during the consultation it becomes clear that your case requires in-person assessment or specialised care outside of her scope, the session will be terminated and the payment fully refunded.

CameraBook a video appointment
€70
Today14:00
Today14:45
Today15:30
Today16:15
November 714:00
More times
5.0(131)
Doctor

Andrei Popov

General medicine6 years of experience

Dr. Andrei Popov is a licensed pain management specialist and general practitioner based in Spain. He provides expert online care for adults dealing with both chronic and acute pain, as well as a wide range of everyday health concerns.

He specialises in diagnosing and treating pain conditions that affect quality of life, including:

  • Chronic pain lasting more than 3 months.
  • Migraines and recurring headaches.
  • Neck, back, lower back, and joint pain.
  • Post-traumatic pain following injury or surgery.
  • Nerve-related pain, fibromyalgia, and neuralgia.
In addition to pain management, Dr. Popov helps patients with:
  • Respiratory infections (colds, bronchitis, pneumonia).
  • High blood pressure and metabolic conditions such as diabetes.
  • Preventive care and routine health check-ups.

Online consultations last up to 30 minutes and include a detailed symptom review, personalised treatment planning, and medical follow-up when needed.

Dr. Popov’s approach is rooted in evidence-based medicine, combined with individualised care tailored to each patient’s history, lifestyle, and clinical needs.

CameraBook a video appointment
€59
Today16:00
Today16:30
Today17:00
Today17:30
Today18:00
More times
0.0(5)
Doctor

Farouk Laafif

Psychiatry3 years of experience

Dr. Farouk Laafif is a psychiatrist providing online consultations for adults and adolescents facing emotional or mental health challenges. His clinical approach integrates psychopharmacology with psychotherapy, with a strong focus on the connection between mental and physical well-being.

He offers compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals dealing with:

  • depression and anxiety disorders
  • bipolar affective disorder
  • schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions
  • psychosomatic symptoms and chronic stress
  • treatment planning and medication adjustment
Dr. Laafif combines scientific expertise with human empathy, helping patients restore emotional balance, improve daily functioning, and regain confidence in their recovery journey.
CameraBook a video appointment
€110
Today16:30
Today17:15
Today18:00
Today18:45
November 709:30
More times
5.0(19)
Doctor

Sergio Correa

General medicine7 years of experience

Dr. Sergio Correa is a licensed general practitioner, aesthetic medicine specialist, and trichologist with experience in emergency care and preventive health. He offers online consultations in English and Spanish, supporting adult patients with a wide range of medical concerns – from acute symptoms to chronic condition management.

His areas of focus include:

  • General and urgent care: fever, fatigue, infections, digestive issues, respiratory symptoms, and other common concerns
  • Chronic condition support: hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid issues
  • Aesthetic medicine and dermatology: acne, skin ageing, hyperpigmentation, personalised skincare guidance
  • Trichology: hair loss, scalp conditions, treatment strategies for men and women
  • Preventive care: health check-ups, lifestyle advice, second opinions

Dr. Correa combines medical knowledge with an aesthetic and holistic approach to help patients improve both health and quality of life.

CameraBook a video appointment
€40
Today18:30
Today19:30
Today20:30
Today21:30
Today22:30
More times
5.0(4)
Doctor

Bogdan Baturichev

Psychiatry5 years of experience

Dr Bohdan Baturychev is a psychiatrist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in adults. He offers online consultations in English and Ukrainian, supporting patients with a wide range of psychiatric and behavioural disorders, both acute and chronic.

His areas of clinical focus include:

  • Depression and mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and chronic low mood
  • Anxiety and stress-related conditions, such as generalised anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and PTSD
  • Psychotic disorders, including early intervention for delusions, hallucinations, and thought disturbances
  • Dementia and cognitive decline, with assessment, treatment planning, and caregiver support
  • Behavioural and emotional regulation issues, such as irritability, emotional instability, and compulsive patterns

Dr Baturychev tailors each consultation to the patient’s needs, combining modern diagnostic tools with evidence-based psychiatric treatment. His approach prioritises clarity, compassion, and therapeutic efficiency – whether patients seek diagnosis, medication management, or ongoing mental health support.

CameraBook a video appointment
€60
Today19:30
Today20:10
Today20:50
November 810:30
November 811:10
More times
5.0(16)
Doctor

Taisiya Minorskaya

Family medicine12 years of experience

Dr Taisiya Minorskaya is a family medicine doctor with an official licence to practise in Spain and over 12 years of clinical experience. She provides online consultations for adults and children, combining evidence-based medicine with a personalised, modern European approach.

She helps with:

  • Viral infections and cold symptoms (flu, sore throat, cough, runny nose)
  • Review and adjustment of antibiotics
  • Skin rashes and allergic reactions
  • Chronic condition flare-ups, high blood pressure, headaches, fatigue
  • Lab and test interpretation
  • Medication review and adaptation to European standards
  • Patient navigation: what tests are needed, which specialists to see, when an in-person visit is required
Dr Minorskaya also specialises in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal conditions, including bloating, abdominal pain, chronic nausea, IBS, and SIBO. She supports patients with unexplained physical symptoms that may be linked to somatisation or stress, helping them find relief and improve quality of life.

She offers care for people undergoing GLP-1 therapy (Ozempic, Mounjaro, and others) for weight management. Her support follows Spanish clinical guidelines, from treatment planning and side effect counselling to regular follow-ups and coordination with private or public healthcare providers.

CameraBook a video appointment
€65
November 709:00
November 709:30
November 710:00
November 710:30
November 711:00
More times
0.0(0)
Doctor

Nikita Savin

Pediatrics4 years of experience

Dr. Nikita Savin is a paediatrician providing online consultations for children of all ages. He offers comprehensive medical care with a focus on preventive health, proper development, and long-term management of chronic and complex conditions.

His areas of expertise include:

  • Preventive care and vaccination planning, including catch-up schedules for children.
  • Assessment of psychomotor, emotional, and physical development.
  • Diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical monitoring for paediatric conditions.
  • Nutritional guidance for infants, including the choice of adapted milk formulas tailored to medical needs.
  • Early identification of rare and orphan diseases.
  • Ongoing care for children with chronic or complex health conditions.
By combining paediatrics with a personalised approach, Dr. Savin ensures professional support that addresses both the physical health and overall well-being of children, while guiding parents at every stage of their child’s growth.
CameraBook a video appointment
€79
November 710:15
November 808:00
November 809:00
November 810:00
November 811:00
More times

Get updates and exclusive offers

Be the first to know about new services, marketplace updates, and subscriber-only promos.

Follow us on social media
FacebookInstagram
Logo
Oladoctor
Find a doctor
Doctors by specialty
Services
Choose language
© 2025 Oladoctor. All rights reserved.
VisaMastercardStripe