Famciclovir Dosage. What is Famciclovir (Famvir) Used For

What is Famciclovir (Famvir)?

Famciclovir is an oral tablet used for treating herpes infection. This prescription medicine serves as the first form of treatment for individuals showing symptoms of herpes. It is available under the brand name Famvir.

Famciclovir belongs to a group of medicine called Antivirals. Its safety towards children and youth below 18 years old is still unknown. This medicine is only available with your doctor’s prescription.

What is it used for?

Famciclovir is a form of antiviral drug used to treat symptoms of genital herpes, shingles, and cold sores. This medication also prevents herpes outbreaks without proper treatment. This medication strengthens the body’s immunity while inhibiting the herpes virus from reactivating.

Since herpes has no cure, Famciclovir can lessen the impact of its symptoms. It helps heal sores faster, inhibits the formation of new sores, and decreases pain and itching. Individuals diagnosed with HIV can also use this medicine if they develop herpes outbreaks.

Famciclovir Dosage

Before receiving your Famciclovir prescription, your doctor will check on some factors to ensure your safety with this treatment. These factors are as follows:

• Age and weight
• Medical history
• Underlying health conditions
• Another form of drugs you are currently taking

Once you receive your prescription for Famciclovir, it is necessary to follow the label and instructions provided by your doctor. Doing so will help your treatment become efficient and effective.

Your dosage will depend on what type of herpes infection you have. Consider the following dosage that may be fitting for you.

Adult Famciclovir Dosage for Genital Herpes:

• For initial infection, take 250 mg of Famciclovir orally three times daily. This treatment period covers 7 to 10 days.
• For outbreaks, take 1000 mg of Famciclovir orally for only one day. If the infection persists, take 125 mg of Famciclovir alternatively. This treatment period covers five days.

Adult Famciclovir Dosage for Herpes Zoster (Shingles):

• Take 500 mg of Famciclovir orally once every eight hours. This treatment period covers seven days. The treatment is most efficient if you take this medicine within 48 hours after the appearance of rashes.

Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex Labialis (Cold Sores):

• For this type of treatment, only take Famciclovir as a single dose. The dosage is 1500 mg, which is most effective when you take it at the onset of cold sore symptoms.

Note: Famciclovir’s dosage for genital herpes, shingles, and cold sores is only available for adults 18 years and above. No information is available for children’s dosage because safety is not yet established for this age group.

How to take Famciclovir?

Take this antiviral drug as instructed by your doctor. You will receive a prescription label covering the steps and instructions to consume this medicine properly. Ask your doctor for supervision if you have a hard time understanding the instructions.

Take Famciclovir with or without food. However, most doctors recommend taking medicines with food to avoid stomachache. Furthermore, always drink plenty of water to support the digestion process. This medicine is only available in tablet form.

If you are using this medicine for treating cold sores or genital herpes, start taking it once the earliest signs and symptoms appear. Some of these symptoms include burning and tingling sensations and blisters.

Use this medicine only during a given therapy period. Do not adjust your dosage without asking your doctor first.

Drug Interactions

Your doctor will examine your medical history AND ONGOING MEDICATION SCHEDULE before giving you a detailed prescription. These steps are essential for doctors to ensure that your treatment with Famciclovir will not interact with other medications and health conditions.

Drug interactions can be life-threatening and lead to other health conditions.

Warnings and Precautions

Famciclovir is not safe to use if you are hypersensitive to this medicine. Note that any form of allergy or hypersensitivity can be fatal. Avoid using it for your safety.

Before using Famciclovir, tell your doctor if you have a previous diagnosis with the following conditions:

• Liver disease
• Impaired immune system
• Galactose intolerance
• Kidney disease
• Glucose-galactose malabsorption
• Severe lactase deficiency

If you are pregnant, discuss your safety with your doctor first. Additionally, if you are breastfeeding, this medicine may not be safe. Know the risk of using Famciclovir and how it can affect your infant.

Furthermore, Famciclovir can cause severe adverse reactions. Report your condition to your doctor immediately if you experience side effects.