penciclovir

section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

pen-SYE-kloe-veer

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: antivirals (topical)

Indications ⬆ ⬇

REMS

Recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores).

Action ⬆ ⬇

Inhibits viral DNA synthesis and replication.

Therapeutic effects:

Death of herpes virus.
Decreased lesion duration and pain.
Active against herpes viruses.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Not absorbed following topical use.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Converted intracellularly to active triphosphate form; excreted in urine.

Half-Life: 2–2.5 hr.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
Topical	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity to penciclovir or other components of the formulation.

Use Cautiously in:

Pedi: Children 12 yr (safety and effectiveness not established).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Local: application site reactions

Neuro: headache

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None reported.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults and Children ≥12 yr): Apply every 2 hr for 4 days while awake.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Cream: 1%

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess lesions prior to and daily during therapy.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

Begin treatment as early as possible during prodrome or when lesions appear.
Apply to lesions every 2 hr for 4 days while awake.
- Apply to lips and face only; avoid application to mucous membranes or near the eyes.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Advise patient to apply medication exactly as directed for the full course of therapy. If a dose is missed, apply as soon as possible but not just before next dose is due; do not double doses. Penciclovir should not be used more frequently or longer than prescribed.
Advise patients that the additional use of OTC creams, lotions, and ointments may delay healing and may cause spreading of lesions.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

More rapid healing of lesions and relief of pain in herpes labialis.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Denavir

Code ⬆

NDC Code

0378- Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- 0378-9720- Denavir
  - 0378-9720-55- 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (0378-9720-55) > 5 g in 1 TUBE

40076- Prestium Pharma, Inc.
- 40076-624- Denavir
  - 40076-624-05- 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (40076-624-05) > 5 g in 1 TUBE