Therapeutic Classification: antivirals
Absorption: Following absorption, famciclovir is rapidly converted in the intestinal wall to penciclovir, the active compound.
Distribution: Unknown.
Metabolism/Excretion: Penciclovir is mostly excreted by the kidneys.
Half-Life: Penciclovir: 2.1–3 hr (↑ in renal impairment).
(penciclovir plasma concentrations)
| ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
|---|
| PO | rapid | 0.9 hr | 8–12 hr |
Herpes Zoster
- PO (Adults ): 500 mg every 8 hr for 7 days.
Renal Impairment
- PO (Adults ): CCr 40–59 mL/min: 500 mg every 12 hr; CCr 20–39 mL/min: 500 mg every 24 hr; CCr <20 mL/min: 250 mg every 24 hr; Hemodialysis: 250 mg after each dialysis.
Recurrent Genital Herpes Simplex Infections
- PO (Adults ): 1000 mg twice daily for one day.
Renal Impairment
- PO (Adults ): CCr 40–59 mL/min: 500 mg twice daily for 1 day; CCr 20–39 mL/min: 500 mg as a single dose; CCr <20 mL/min: 250 mg as a single dose; Hemodialysis: 250 mg as a single dose after dialysis.
Suppression of Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infections
- PO (Adults ): 250 mg every 12 hr for up to 1 yr.
Renal Impairment
- PO (Adults ): CCr 20–39 mL/min: 125 mg every 12 hr for 5 days; CCr <20 mL/min: 125 mg every 24 hr for 5 days; Hemodialysis: 125 mg after each dialysis.
Recurrent Herpes Labialis Infections (Cold Sores)
- PO (Adults ): 1500 mg as a single dose.
Renal Impairment
- PO (Adults ): CCr 40–59 mL/min: 750 mg as a single dose; CCr 20–39 mL/min: 500 mg as a single dose; CCr <20 mL/min: 250 mg as a single dose; Hemodialysis: 250 mg as a single dose after dialysis.
Herpes Simplex in Patients with HIV
- PO (Adults ): 500 mg every 12 hr for 7 days.
Renal Impairment
- PO (Adults ): CCr 20–39 mL/min: 500 mg every 24 hr for 7 days; CCr <20 mL/min: 250 mg every 24 hr for 7 days; Hemodialysis: 250 mg after each dialysis.
