About famciclovir
Antiviral nucleoside analogue
Used for
- Treats shingles and genital herpes in adults.
- Suppresses recurrent genital herpes.
- Treats cold sores in adults with weakened immune systems.
Usual adult dose
Shingles: 500 mg every 8 hours for 7 days. Recurrent genital herpes: 1,000 mg twice in one day. Doses vary by use and kidney function.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
Important warnings
- Kidney disease may require dose adjustment.
- Treatment works best when started promptly after symptoms begin.
- Does not cure herpes or prevent all transmission.
- Seek urgent care for severe confusion or allergic reaction.
Pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited; use requires clinician assessment of benefits and risks.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether famciclovir passes into breast milk; discuss use with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Probenecid can increase famciclovir exposure.
- Other medicines affecting kidney function may increase adverse-effect risk.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.