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Action/Kinetics:
Undergoes rapid biotransformation to the active compound penciclovir. Inhibits viral DNA synthesis and therefore replication in HSV types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus. Penciclovir is further metabolized to inactive compounds that are excreted through the urine.
t
1/2, plasma: 2 hr following IV administration of penciclovir and 2.3 hr following PO use of famciclovir. Half-life increased in renal insufficiency.
Uses:
Management of acute herpes zoster (shingles). Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex (genital herpes and cold sores), including those infected with HIV. To prevent outbreaks of recurrent genital herpes.
Contraindications:
Use during lactation.
Special Concerns:
The dose should be adjusted in clients with C
CR less than 60 mL/min. Safety and efficacy have not been determined in children less than 18 years of age.
Side Effects:
GI: N&V;, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence.
CNS: Headache, dizziness, paresthesia, somnolence, insomnia.
Body as a whole: Fatigue, fever, pain, rigors.
Musculoskeletal: Back pain, arthralgia.
Respiratory: Pharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory infection.
Dermatologic: Pruritus; signs, symptoms, and complications of zoster and genital herpes.
Drug Interactions:
-
Digoxin /
Digoxin levels
-
Probenecid /
Plasma penciclovir levels
-
Theophylline /
Penciclovir levels
How Supplied:
Tablet: 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg
Dosage
?Tablets
Herpes zoster infections.
500 mg q 8 hr for 7 days. Dosage reduction is recommended in clients with impaired renal function: for C
CR of 40-59 mL/min, the dose should be 500 mg q 12 hr; for C
CR of 20-39 mL/min, the dose should be 500 mg q 24 hr; for C
CR less than 20 mL/min, the dose should be 250 mg q 48 hr. For hemodialysis clients, the recommended dose is 250 mg given after each dialysis treatment.
Recurrent genital herpes.
125 mg b.i.d. for 5 days. Should be taken within 6 hr of symptoms or lesion onset. Dosage reduction is as follows for those with impaired renal function: for C
CR of 40 mL/min or greater, use the recommended dose of 125 mg b.i.d.; for C
CR of 20-39 mL/min, the dose should be 125 mg q 24 hr; for C
CR less than 20 mL/min, the dose should be 125 mg q 48 hr. For hemodialysis clients, the recommended dose is 125 mg given after each dialysis treatment.
Recurrent orolabial or genital herpes infection in HIV-infected clients.
500 mg b.i.d. for 7 days.
Prevent outbreaks of genital herpes.
250 mg b.i.d.
