MedDataToolFamciclovir is a medication used to treat conditions caused by certain viruses, including cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It works by stopping the virus from multiplying in the body, helping to reduce symptoms and outbreaks. You can take it as a tablet, either with or without food; for cold sores, the starting dose is 1500 mg as a single dose, while for genital herpes, it's 1000 mg twice a day for one day. It's important to know that famciclovir should not be taken if you are allergic to it or its components. Additionally, if you have kidney problems, your doctor may need to adjust your dose to ensure it's safe for you.
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Uses
- Cold sores (herpes labialis).
- Recurrent genital herpes.
- Suppressive therapy for genital herpes.
- Shingles (herpes zoster).
- Recurrent orolabial or genital herpes in HIV-infected adults.
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Dosage
Cold sores: 1500 mg as a single dose.
Genital herpes: 1000 mg twice daily for 1 day.
Suppressive therapy: 250 mg twice daily.
Shingles: 500 mg every 8 hours for 7 days.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
headachenausea
Serious
acute renal failuredizzinessconfusionanaphylactic reactions
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Not established for first episode of genital herpes.
- Not established for patients with ophthalmic zoster.
- Not established for immunocompromised patients except HIV-infected.
- Caution in Black and African American patients with recurrent genital herpes.
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Drug interactions
- Probenecidmay increase penciclovir levelsCaution
- Digoxinno significant effect observedCaution
- Zidovudineno significant effect observedCaution
- Emtricitabineno significant effect observedCaution
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).