Famvir 1%

Famvir 1% Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Famvir 1% is a brand name. Its generic name is Penciclovir.

Introduction

Famvir 1% is an antiviral medication used to treat or prevent herpes infections such as recurrent cold sores (fever blisters) or genital herpes. It is also used to treat recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in people with a weakened immune system. Famvir 1% works by stopping the growth of herpes viruses.

Uses

Famvir 1% is used to treat cold sores (fever blisters) and genital herpes in adults and teenagers. It is also used to treat recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in people with a weakened immune system.

Mechanism of Action

Famvir 1% works by interfering with the action of the enzyme adenine deaminase. This enzyme helps to replicate the viral DNA inside the cells. Famvir 1% inhibits the enzyme, thus preventing the replication of the viral DNA and stopping the infection from spreading.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Famvir 1% usually begins to work within hours after application and may prevent or reduce further sores and symptoms.

Absorption

Famvir 1% is rapidly and extensively absorbed after oral administration and is rapidly metabolized and eliminated in the urine.

Route of Elimination

Famvir 1% is rapidly eliminated in the urine, with only trace amounts of intact drug being excreted unchanged.

Dosage

The recommended dose for the treatment of recurrent cold sores and genital herpes is 200mg twice daily for five days. The dosage may be adjusted based on the patient's individual response.

Administration

Famvir 1% should be taken orally with or without food. Body weight should be taken into account when adjusting dosage. The dosage should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment.

Side Effect

The most common side effects of penciclovir include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. More serious side effects have been reported in rare cases, including allergic reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Toxicity

Famvir 1% is generally well tolerated with few adverse effects. In cases of overdose, supportive care may be necessary.

Precaution

Patients should be advised to avoid sexual contact while taking Famvir 1% and to use condoms even after treatment to reduce the risk of passing the infection on to others. Pregnant women should not take penciclovir.

Interaction

Famvir 1% may interact with other drugs. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor of all medications taken, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal products.

Disease Interaction

Famvir 1% may interact with various diseases and conditions such as kidney or liver disease, HIV infection, or an immunosuppressed state.

Drug Interaction

Famvir 1% may interact with other drugs, including cimetidine (Tagamet), probenecid (Benemid), theophylline (Theo-Dur), tacrolimus (Prograf), and zidovudine (Retrovir).

Food Interactions

Famvir 1% should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.

Pregnancy Use

Famvir 1% has not been studied in pregnant women and is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Lactation Use

It is not known whether penciclovir is excreted in human milk. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering this drug to a nursing mother.

Acute Overdose

There have been no reports of acute overdose with penciclovir. If an overdose is suspected, treatment should be initiated with supportive measures and symptomatic therapy, as necessary.

Contraindication

Famvir 1% is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients in the formulation.

Use Direction

Famvir 1% should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider. Dosage should be adjusted based on body weight and the severity of the infection.

Storage Condition

Famvir 1% should be stored at room temperature and away from light and moisture.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution for penciclovir is approximately 0.17L/kg.

Half Life

The terminal half life of penciclovir is approximately 3.5 hours.

Clearance

The total body clearance of penciclovir is approximately 0.64ml/min/kg.

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