Famciclovir is a prodrug of penciclovir.
Famciclovir has activity against herpesviruses and hepatitis B virus.
Famciclovir is converted to penciclovir, which is converted to the triphosphate form (penciclovir triphosphate). Penciclovir triphosphate selectively inhibits viral DNA polymerase by competing with deoxyguanosine triphosphate.
The primary mechanism of resistance to famciclovir is related to viral thymidine kinase (TK) and DNA polymerase mutations.
No relationship has been established between the effective in vitro and in vivo concentrations.
Famciclovir is absorbed in the duodenum and is converted to penciclovir by first-pass hepatic (pre-systemic) metabolism. The absolute bioavailability of penciclovir after oral famciclovir is 77%. Renal excretion is the major route of elimination of penciclovir.
Common adverse effects are fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting and GI upset.
Tablet 125mg, 250mg, 500mg
See table for specific dosing
Renal Impairment:
See text
Hepatic Impairment:
No dose adjustment is necessary
Probenecid – may impair the clearance of the active metabolite of famciclovir, penciclovir. Therefore concomitant administration should be avoided.
Category B: No evidence of risk in humans but studies inadequate.
Baseline serum creatinine/BUN
Famvir®/Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp Dba Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corp