Famciclovir

Famciclovir (INN) is a guanine analogue antiviral drug used for the treatment of various herpesvirus infections, most commonly for herpes zoster (shingles). It is a prodrug form of penciclovir with improved oral bioavailability. Famciclovir is marketed under the trade name Famvir (Schering-Plough).

On August 24, 2007, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic version of famciclovir. Generic Famciclovir Tablets (125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg) are manufactured by Kfar-Sava, Israel-based TEVA Pharmaceuticals.

Clinical use

Indications and dosage forms

Famciclovir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5 days. It is also sometimes given in one single large dose as opposed to several days of scheduled small doses. Among other side effects, Famciclovir may cause an upset stomach. Take famciclovir with food or milk.

Adverse effects

Side effects: mild to extreme stomach upset, headaches, mild fever.

Footnotes

External links

• Famvir product website run by Schering-Plough

See also

• Penciclovir