Famvir
Famvir is an oral antiviral medication containing famciclovir, which is a prodrug of penciclovir. It is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes. It works by interfering with viral DNA replication, thereby shortening the duration of symptoms and viral shedding.
Dosage by Body Weight
Famvir is administered orally, with or without food. Dosages vary significantly based on the condition being treated (e.g., shingles typically requires 500 mg every 8 hours for 7 days; cold sores typically require a single dose of 1500 mg). Dosage adjustments are required for patients with renal impairment. Consult a healthcare provider for precise dosing.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for this weight range.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely prescribed
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Pediatric dosing guidelines are not established for this weight range; alternative antivirals are preferred.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely prescribed
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Only use under direct specialist recommendation and supervision.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Specialist directed
- Frequency
- As prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Famciclovir is rarely used in pediatric patients. Standard of care usually defaults to acyclovir.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Specialist directed
- Frequency
- As prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Dosage must be calculated by a specialist, typically based on body surface area (BSA).
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established for this weight range. |
| 5-7 kg | Not routinely prescribed | N/A | Pediatric dosing guidelines are not established for this weight range; alternative antivirals are preferred. |
| 8-10 kg | Not routinely prescribed | N/A | Only use under direct specialist recommendation and supervision. |
| 11-15 kg | Specialist directed | As prescribed | Famciclovir is rarely used in pediatric patients. Standard of care usually defaults to acyclovir. |
| 16-20 kg | Specialist directed | As prescribed | Dosage must be calculated by a specialist, typically based on body surface area (BSA). |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), herpes labialis (cold sores), and treatment/suppression of recurrent genital herpes
Generic Name
FamciclovirScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.