Famciclovir is an antiviral drug for treating herpes virus infections, including herpes zoster or herpes simplex.
Famciclovir works by inhibiting the proliferation or replication of the herpes virus. That way, the immune system can work more optimally to overcome the herpes virus infection.
Keep in mind that this medication can't cure a herpes virus infection, but it can help your symptoms subside faster, reduce the frequency with which the infection recurs, and speed up recovery time.
Famciclovir trademarks: famvir
What is Famciclovir
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Anti Virus |
| Benefit | Treating herpes. |
| Consumed by | Adults 18 years old |
| Famciclovir for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known whether Famciclovir is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not take this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Famciclovir
Famciclovir should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription. Some things to consider before taking this drug are:
- Do not take famciclovir if you are allergic to this medicine, to penciclovir, or to acyclovir. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, liver disease, lactose intolerance, impaired glucose-galactose absorption, or have conditions that weaken your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, or have recently had a bone marrow transplant.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after taking famciclovir.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Famciclovir
The dose of famciclovir given by the doctor to each patient may vary, depending on the patient's condition and the patient's response to treatment.
In general, the following are the doses of amciclovir for adults divided according to their intended use:
Purpose: Treating herpes zoster
The dose is 500 mg, 3 times a day, for 7 days. For patients with weakened immune systems, the dose is 500 mg, taken 3 times a day, for 10 days.
Purpose: Treating genital herpes
To treat genital or genital herpes for the first time, the dose is 250 mg, 3 times a day, for 5 days. To treat recurrent genital herpes, the dose is 125 mg, 2 times daily, for 5 days, or 1,000 mg, for 1 day.
In HIV/AIDS patients who have genital herpes, the dose is 500 mg, taken 2 times a day, for 7 days.
How to Take Famciclovir Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the information on the drug packaging label before taking famciclovir. Do not increase or decrease your dose, and take famciclovir more often than your doctor recommends.
Famciclovir tablets can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water.
Famciclovir is more effective if used once symptoms appear. Therefore, do not delay treatment so that complaints can be quickly resolved. Keep taking this medicine as directed by your doctor even if the symptoms have disappeared after a few days. Do not stop treatment, except on doctor's instructions.
It is recommended to take famciclovir regularly at the same time every day for maximum treatment effect. If you forget to take famciclovir, take it immediately if the gap between the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store famciclovir tablets in a closed container in a cool room. Protect this medication from direct sunlight, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Interactions of Famciclovir with Other Drugs
The use of famciclovir with other drugs can cause several drug interactions, namely:
- Increased blood levels of famciclovir, which can increase the risk of side effects such as headache or nausea, when used with probenecid
- Decreased effectiveness of famciclovir when used with raloxifen
Side Effects and Dangers of Famciclovir
There are some common side effects that occur after taking famciclovir, namely headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse.
You should see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Confusion, hallucinations, or restlessness
- Jaundice
- Infrequent urination or the amount of urine that comes out is very little
