Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Famciclovir is best used within 48 hours after the symptoms of shingles (for example, pain, burning, blisters) begin to appear, or within 6 hours after the symptoms of recurrent genital herpes (for example, pain, blisters) begin to appear.
Famciclovir may be taken with or without food.
To help clear up your herpes infection, keep taking famciclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Do not miss any doses and do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For oral dosage form (tablets):
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For treatment of shingles:
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Adults—500 milligrams (mg) every eight hours for seven days.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For suppression of recurrent genital herpes:
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Adults—250 milligrams (mg) two times a day for up to one year.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For treatment of recurrent genital herpes:
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Adults—1000 milligrams (mg) two times a day for one day.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores):
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Adults—1500 milligrams (mg) as a single dose.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For treatment of recurrent herpes infections in HIV-infected patients:
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Adults—500 milligrams (mg) two times a day for seven days.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024
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