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Indications

REMS


Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: palpitations

Derm: hypersensitivity vasculitis

GI: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

GU: fertility (males)

Neuro: headache, dizziness, fatigue, SEIZURES

Misc: ANAPHYLAXIS

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Availability

(Generic available)

Route/Dosage

Herpes Zoster

Renal Impairment

Recurrent Genital Herpes Simplex Infections

Renal Impairment

Suppression of Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infections

Renal Impairment

Recurrent Herpes Labialis Infections (Cold Sores)

Renal Impairment

Herpes Simplex in Patients with HIV

Renal Impairment

US Brand Names

Famvir

Action

  • Inhibits viral DNA synthesis in herpes-infected cells only.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Decreased duration of herpes zoster infection with decreased duration of viral shedding.
  • Decreased time to healing for cold sores.
  • Decreased lesion formation and improved healing in recurrent HSV infection.

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antivirals

Pharmacokinetics

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).

Time/Action Profile

(penciclovir plasma concentrations)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POrapid0.9 hr8–12 hr

Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

fam-SYE-kloe-veer

Code

NDC Code