Description
Famciclovir is a prodrug of the antiviral penciclovir. It is given by mouth in the treatment of herpes zoster (see Varicella-zoster Infections in Kenya and genital and mucocutaneous herpes.
For herpes zoster, famciclovir is given in a dose of 250 mg three times daily, or 750 mg once daily, for 7 days (in Kenya and the USA the recommended dose is 500 mg three times daily for 7 days); immunocompromised patients are given 500 mg three times daily for 10 days.
For first episodes of genital herpes, famciclovir is given in a dose of 250 mg three times daily for 5 days; immunocompromised patients are given 500 mg twice daily for 7 days. For acute treatment of recurrent episodes of genital herpes, 125 mg is given twice daily for 5 days; immunocompromised patients are given 500 mg twice daily for 7 days. For suppression of recurrent episodes of genital herpes, 250 mg is given twice daily; HIV patients may be given 500 mg twice daily. Such suppressive treatment is interrupted every 6 to 12 months to observe possible changes in the natural history of the disease.
For acute treatment of recurrent mucocutaneous herpes in HIV-infected patients, 500 mg is given twice daily for 7 days.
Doses of famciclovir should be reduced in patients with renal impairment.
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