Famciclovir Rx

Indications for Famciclovir:

In immunocompetent adults: treatment of recurrent herpes labialis, treatment of recurrent episodes of genital herpes, chronic suppressive therapy of recurrent episodes of genital herpes, treatment of herpes zoster. In HIV-infected adults: treatment of recurrent episodes of orolabial or genital herpes. Limitations of use: not established for patients with 1^st episode of genital herpes or ophthalmic zoster, immunocompromised patients other than for treatment of recurrent orolabial or genital herpes in HIV-infected patients, Black and African American patients with recurrent genital herpes.

Adult:

≥18yrs: Herpes zoster: start as soon as herpes zoster is diagnosed (within 72hrs of onset of rash); treat for 7 days; 500mg every 8hrs. CrCl 40–59mL/min: 500mg every 12hrs; CrCl 20–39mL/min: 500mg every 24hrs; CrCl <20mL/min: 250mg every 24hrs; hemodialysis (HD): 250mg after each dialysis. Treatment of recurrent genital herpes: begin therapy at first sign or symptom (within 6hrs); 1000mg every 12hrs for 1 day; CrCl 40–59mL/min: 500mg every 12hrs for 1 day; CrCl 20–39mL/min: 500mg single dose; CrCl <20mL/min: 250mg single dose; HD: 250mg after dialysis. Suppression of recurrent genital herpes: 250mg every 12hrs (for up to 1yr). CrCl 20–39mL/min: 125mg every 12hrs; CrCl <20mL/min: 125mg every 24hrs; HD: 125mg after each dialysis. Recurrent herpes labialis: start at first sign or symptom of cold sore: treat with single dose: 1500mg. CrCl 40–59mL/min: 750mg; CrCl 20–39mL/min: 500mg; CrCl <20mL/min: 250mg; HD: 250mg following dialysis. Orolabial or genital herpes simplex in HIV patients: treat for 7 days: 500mg every 12hrs; CrCl 20–39mL/min: 500mg every 24hrs; CrCl <20mL/min: 250mg every 24hrs; HD: 250mg after each dialysis.

Children:

<18yrs: not established.

Contraindications:

Allergic to penciclovir cream.

Warnings/Precautions:

Renal dysfunction. Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers.

Pharmacological Class:

Nucleoside analogue.

Interactions:

Probenecid, others eliminated by active tubular secretion may increase penciclovir concentrations. May be affected by drugs metabolized by aldehyde oxidase.

Adverse Reactions:

Headache, nausea, fatigue, paresthesia, pruritus.

Note:

Formerly known under the brand name Famvir.

How Supplied:

Contact supplier.