Antiviral
Brand Names
Famvir®
Drug Information
Pharmacology
Selectively inhibits Herpes viral DNA synthesis
Contraindications
General
- Famciclovir is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to it or penciclovir.
- It should be used with caution (and dosage adjustment) in patients with renal dysfunction.
Adverse Effects
General
- In humans, famciclovir can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. Neutropenia has been reported and renal failure can occur particularly when doses are not adjusted in patients with renal dysfunction.
Cat
- Adverse effects in cats are not well documented, but the drug appears to be tolerated quite well when used for up to 3 weeks. At doses of 90 mg/kg by mouth every 8 hours, anorexia and polydipsia have been noted in some cats.
Interactions
General Interactions
- Food may reduce bioavailability – give on an empty stomach
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
- Can reduce the amount of penciclovir excreted by the kidneys and increase penciclovir plasma levels.
Available Forms
Human
- Oral Tablets (film-coated): 125 mg, 250 mg, & 500 mg; Famvir®, generic
Veterinary – General
- None
Comments