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Famciclovir

Brand and Other Names: Famciclovir
Mechanism of Action:

Famciclovir is an orally administered prodrug of the anti-alpha herpes viral agent penciclovir.

Indications:

Famciclovir is a prodrug of penciclovir and functions as a DNA polymerase inhibitor. It is indicated for the treatment of herpesvirus infections in adults.

Route: oral
Dose:

The recommended dosage of famciclovir tablets for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis is 1500 mg as a single dose.

The recommended dosage of famciclovir tablets for the treatment of recurrent episodes of genital herpes is 1000 mg twice daily for 1 day.

The recommended dosage of famciclovir tablets for the treatment of herpes zoster is 500 mg every 8 hours for 7 days.

The recommended dosage of famciclovir tablets for the treatment of recurrent orolabial or genital herpes in HIV-infected patients is 500 mg twice daily for 7 days.

Adverse Reactions:

Headache

Nausea

Contraindication:

Famciclovir is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the product, its components, or Denavir® (penciclovir cream).

Warnings and Precautions:

Acute Renal Failure: Most common in patients with renal disease given higher-than-recommended doses.

Monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly.

CNS effects (e.g., confusion, hallucinations) may occur, especially in the elderly

See package insert for full prescribing information.