Famvir (250 mg, 500 mg)

Famvir which contains famciclovir as an active ingredient is a drug known for its antiviral quality. This drug is often used in the process of slowing down the growth and the spread of herpes virus in such a way that the body gets the strength of fighting of some infection. Famciclovir, does not possess the strength to fight off or cure herpes, but sure it helps the patient from suffering less from pain by reducing the symptoms of the herpes infection. Famvir is often used in the treatment of the infections which might be caused as a result of the herpes virus which includes the cold sores, genital herpes as well as the shingles.

Composition of Famvir Drug

The active ingredient of Famvir is famciclovir, which is a drug which is administered orally. The molecular formula for famcicloviris C14H19N5O4 with its molecular weight being 321.3. Famvir happens to be a synthetic acyclic derivative of guanine having a pale yellow to a white colour in the form of a solid such that it gets easily dissolved in methanol and acetone , while being sparingly soluble in isopropanol & ethanol. Famvir tablets come in strengths of 125 milligram, 250 milligram, or 500 milligram having inactive ingredients like hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycols & sodium starch glycolate.

Uses of Famvir Drug

Famciclovir is used for the treatment of several infections which might be a result of certain viruses. This drug is used in the treatment of shingles caused by zoster herpes. It is also used in the treatment of simplex herpes outbreak which might cause some form of cold sores in and around the mouth area. It can also be used in the treatment of sores around anus, genital herpes and many more. In case of people with genital herpes outbreak which happen on a frequent basis, famciclovir is recommended for reduction in the number of the future episodes. Famciclovir being an antiviral drug, does not cure any infections but surely decreases the severity of the infection along with also decreasing the length of the outbreak. It helps sores heal faster, avoid formation of the new sores & decreases the itching and the pain.

Side Effects of Famvir Drug

The following are the severe side effects of Famvir which one might experience:

  • Less or no urination
  • Weakness, confusion and an increased thirst
  • Severe loss of appetite
  • Vomiting or pounding heartbeats along with the fluttering in the chest
  • Swelling or weight gain
  • The feeling of shortness of breath.

The following are the common side effects which one might experience of Famvir:

  • nausea, gas or some degree of stomach pain;
  • diarrhea,
  • dizziness, sleepiness
  • headache, tired feeling
  • mild itching or rashes on the skin rash
  • numbness or the feeling of some tingle

Contraindications of Famvir Drug

Famvir should not be used by one in case of the following:

  • If one is allergic to you are allergic to or penciclovir cream or famciclovir
  • If one suffers from some liver, kidney disease or suffers from a weakened immune system
  • If one has galactose intolerance or severe lactase deficiency

Famvir Drug and Pregnancy

Famvir is an FDA pregnancy cat B drug which means that famvir is not really that harmful during pregnancy, provided, the doctor is kept informed. When it comes to the passage into the breast milk, it is not known if this drug passes into breast milk or not. Hence, this drug needs to be avoided during breast feeding.