Description
Famvir (Famciclovir) Coated Tablets 500 mg. №14
Ingredients
Each coated tablet contains 500 mg of famciclovir.
Mechanism of Action
Famciclovir, the active ingredient in Famvir, is a prodrug that undergoes rapid biotransformation to penciclovir. Penciclovir inhibits viral DNA replication by competing with deoxyguanosine triphosphate for viral DNA polymerase, thus preventing viral replication.
Pharmacological Properties
Famciclovir is a synthetic nucleoside analogue with potent antiviral activity against herpes simplex viruses (HSV) types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is well-absorbed orally and rapidly converted to its active form, penciclovir, in the body.
Indications for Use
Famvir is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), genital herpes, and recurrent episodes of herpes simplex virus infections in immunocompetent adults.
Contraindications
Do not use Famvir if you have a known hypersensitivity to famciclovir, penciclovir, or any component of the formulation. Caution is advised in patients with renal impairment or hepatic dysfunction.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Famvir include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Rare but serious adverse reactions may include thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anaphylaxis. Monitoring for signs of drug toxicity is recommended during treatment.
Usage Instructions
The usual dosage of Famvir is one 500 mg tablet taken orally three times daily for 7 to 10 days, depending on the indication. Dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with renal impairment based on creatinine clearance levels.
Benefits Compared to Analogues
Famvir offers the advantage of convenient dosing regimen compared to acyclovir, with higher bioavailability and longer intracellular half-life, leading to improved clinical outcomes and reduced dosing frequency.
Suitable Patient Groups
Famvir is generally well-tolerated in adult patients, including the elderly population. Caution is advised in pediatric patients due to limited data on safety and efficacy in this age group.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store Famvir tablets at controlled room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from moisture and light. The shelf life of the product is typically 36 months from the manufacturing date.
Packaging Description
Famvir is supplied in blister packs containing 14 coated tablets of 500 mg strength. Each pack is labeled with the product name, dosage strength, and batch number for identification.
Clinical Evidence and Proven Effectiveness
Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Famvir in reducing the duration of acute herpes zoster episodes and the frequency of recurrent genital herpes outbreaks. Comparative trials have shown superior bioavailability and clinical outcomes with famciclovir compared to acyclovir in the management of herpes virus infections.
