Famciclovir

Famciclovir: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Inhibits viral replication (viral DNA polymerase); depends on viral thymidine kinase for phosphorylation.

Uses of Famciclovir

• Management of feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) infections.
• Famciclovir is a prodrug for penciclovir, which is closely related to aciclovir.
• Famciclovir is virostatic and is unable to eradicate latent viral infection.

Dose of Famciclovir in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• No information is available.

Cats:

• 90 mg/kg q12h.

Side Effects of Famciclovir in Dogs and Cats

• Gastrointestinal signs most common side effect.
• Monitor haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis in cats with known concurrent disease and/or if expected to receive the drug for long periods.
• Reduce dose frequency in cats with renal insufficiency (as in humans).

Contraindications of Famciclovir in Dogs and Cats

• No information is available.