Famciclovir: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Functions & Usage

What is Famciclovir for?

Famciclovir is a drug used to treat infections caused by viruses. Famciclovir is commonly used to treat rashes caused by shingles. This medication can also treat herpes simplex, which causes bouncy sores around the mouth, sores around the anus, and genital herpes.

In people who have frequent outbreaks of genital herpes, famciclovir is used to help reduce future recurrences of this condition.

Famciclovir is an antiviral drug, but it can only treat symptoms and cannot treat disease. The virus that causes infection will continue to live in the body even between outbreaks. Famciclovir works to reduce the severity and duration of these outbreaks.

This medication helps wounds heal faster, prevents new sores from forming, and reduces pain / itching. This medication can also help reduce pain that remains after the wound has healed. Also, in people with weakened immune systems, famciclovir might lower the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of the body and causing serious infections.

How do you use the drug Famciclovir?

Take famciclovir with or without food, usually 2 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor.

This medication works best when it is started at the first sign of an outbreak, as directed by your doctor. This medicine may not work well if you delay treatment.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

This drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug regularly. To help you remember, use it at the same time every day.

Continue to use this medication until the prescribed amount is completed. Do not change doses, skip any doses, or stop initial medication without your doctor's approval.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse. Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I store Famciclovir?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using the drug Famciclovir?

Before using famciclovir,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to famciclovir, penciclovir cream (Denavir), acyclovir (Zovirax), other drugs, or lactose.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you use or will use especially probenecid (Benemid).
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had problems with the immune system, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption (an inherited condition in which the body is unable to tolerate lactose); or kidney or liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking famciclovir, call your doctor.
• You should know that famciclovir can make you drowsy, dizzy, and confused. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Is the drug Famciclovir safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Famciclovir may be used by pregnant women if the benefits outweigh the risks. Always consult your doctor before taking famciclovir if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Famciclovir?

Common side effects of famciclovir are:

• Nausea, gas, stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Headache, tired feeling
• Dizziness, drowsiness
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Numbness or tingling feeling

Stop using Famciclovir and call your doctor if you have serious side effects such as:

• Urinating less than usual or not at all
• Weakness, confusion, increased thirst, loss of appetite, vomiting, palpitations or pause in the chest
• Swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What medicines can interfere with the drug Famciclovir?

Although certain drugs should not be used at the same time, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even if interactions are possible. In this case, your doctor may be able to change the dose, or take other precautions that may be needed. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs.

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the action of the drug Famciclovir?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of the drug Famciclovir?

The presence of other health problems in your body can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Galactose intolerance
• Glucose-galactose malabsorption
• Severe lactase deficiency - should not be used in patients with this condition.
• Kidney disease - Use with caution. The effect can be increased because the drug clears more slowly from the body.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the adult dose for famciclovir?

Famciclovir dosage for genital herpes

Early episodes: 250 mg orally three times daily for 7-10 days has been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Recurrent episodes: 1000 mg orally twice a day for 1 day; alternatively, 125 mg orally twice daily for 5 days has been recommended by the CDC.

Famciclovir should be started when the first signs or symptoms of a recurring episode appear (such as tingling, burning, itching, pain, or sores). The benefit is not yet known if the drug is started more than 6 hours after the onset of symptoms or injury.

Famciclovir dosage for herpes simplex

Recurrent episodes of genital orolabial herpes in HIV-infected patients: 500 mg orally twice daily for 7 days (5-10 days recommended by the CDC) Famciclovir should be started when the first signs or symptoms of recurrent episodes appear (such as tingling, burning sensation, itching, pain, or sores). The benefit is not known if it is started more than 48 hours after the onset of symptoms or injury.

The dose of famciclovir for shingles

500 mg orally every 8 hours for 7 days

Famciclovir is most effective if it is started within 48 hours of the onset of the rash. The benefit is not known if it is started more than 72 hours after the onset of the rash.

Famciclovir dosage for herpes simplex labialis

Recurrent herpes labialis: 1500 mg orally as a single dose

Use of Famciclovir is most effective if it is started when the initial signs or symptoms of a cold sore appear (such as tingling, burning, itching, pain, or sores).

What is the dose of famciclovir for children?

• initial episode: 250 mg PO every 8 hours for 7-10 days
• suppressive therapy: 250 mg PO every 12 hours for up to 12 months
• recurrent episodes: 125 mg PO every 12 hours for 3-5 days

In what dosages and preparations is Etoposide available?

Tablet, Oral: 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.