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

Functions & Usage

What is the drug Penciclovir used for?

Penciclovir is a drug used to treat cold sores / fever blisters (herpes labialis), which are small blisters around the nose of the face and mouth due to the herpes simplex-1 virus.

This medication can speed wound healing and reduce symptoms (such as tingling, pain, burning sensation, itching). Penciclovir belongs to a class of drugs called antivirals. This drug works by stopping the growth of the virus. This medicine does not cure herpes and does not prevent transmission of the infection to other people and its recurrence the following day.

How do you use the drug Penciclovir?

Use this medication at the first sign of infection (such as tingling, burning sensation, redness, or sores). Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying this medicine. Clean and dry the affected area before applying this medicine. Apply a thin layer of penciclovir cream to cover all areas of the blister or areas that are tingling / itchy / red / swollen, and rub in gently. Apply the cream every 2 hours (except during sleep) for 4 days or as directed by your doctor.

Use only on skin. Do not apply this medication in or near the eyes as this can irritate the eyes. If your eyes get exposed to this medicine, wash them with as much water as possible. Do not use the medicine in the mouth or nose.

Dosage is based on medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed.

Use this remedy regularly for maximum benefits. These drugs work best if the amount of drug absorbed by the skin remains at a constant level. Hence, use this medication at regularly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Herpes blisters can spread easily. Penciclovir cream does not prevent the spread of herpes. Avoid close physical contact with other people (such as kissing) during an outbreak until the blisters have completely healed. Also, never try to touch a blister, and wash your hands after touching them.

How do I store Penciclovir?

Store the medicine at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom and freeze medication. Medicines under different brands may have different storage methods. Check the product box for instructions on how to store it, or ask the pharmacist. Stay away from children and pets.

It is forbidden to flush the medicine in the toilet or throw it into the drain if not told to. Properly discard this product if it is past the deadline or is no longer needed. Consult a pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more in-depth details on how to safely dispose of the product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using the drug Penciclovir?

In the decision to use this drug, the risks of taking the drug must be weighed against its benefits. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this drug, the following should be considered:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you have any other type of allergies, for example to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter products, read the product label or packaging carefully.

Children

There is no specific information comparing the benefits of topical penciclovir in children with benefits in other age groups.

Elderly

Many drugs have not been studied, especially in the elderly. Hence, it may not be known whether they cooperate as well as in young adults. There is no specific information comparing the benefits of penciclovir in the elderly with benefits in other age groups. However, this drug has been used in elderly patients and has not been found to cause different side effects or other disorders than young adults.

Is the drug Penciclovir safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are not sufficient studies in women to determine risk when using this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication. This drug is pregnancy risk category B. (A = no risk, B = no risk in some studies, C = there may be some risks, D = positive evidence of risk, X = contraindications, N = unknown)

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Penciclovir?

Serious side effects have not been reported with topical penciclovir use. Other milder side effects may appear more frequently. Continue to use topical penciclovir and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• Headache
• Numbness or tingling where the cream was applied
• Changes in the sense of taste
• Rash
• Irritation at basting site

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 drugs can interfere with the drug Penciclovir?

Although certain drugs should not be used at the same time, in other cases two different drugs may be used together even if interactions are possible. In this case, the doctor may want to change the dose, or other warnings may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the drug Penciclovir?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs may also cause interactions. Discuss with a healthcare professional about using drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

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

The presence of other medical disorders may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Immune system disorders - it is not known whether this drug will work well in patients with this disorder

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 dose of the drug Penciclovir for adults?

Usual adult dose for herpes simplex labialis

Apply the cream to the affected area every 2 hours while awake (8 times a day) for 4 days. Start treatment as early as possible, preferably during the prodrome phase when the first sores appear.

What is the dose of the drug Penciclovir for children?

Usual children's dose for herpes simplex labialis

> = 12 years: apply cream to the affected area every 2 hours while awake (8 times a day) for 4 days. Start treatment as early as possible, preferably during the prodrome phase when the first sores appear.

In what dosages and preparations is Penciclovir available?

Cream, external: Denavir: 1% (1.5 g, 5 g) (contains cetostearyl alcohol, propylene glycol)

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) 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.