Why is this medication prescribed?
Famciclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses including shingles, genital herpes, and cold sores (in people with HIV).
It inhibits the replication of viral DNA that is necessary in order for viruses to reproduce themselves. Famciclovir is actually a "prodrug," in that it is not active directly against viruses. Instead, famciclovir is converted to penciclovir in the body, and it is the penciclovir that is active against the viruses.
Additionally, this medicine is active against the same viruses as acyclovir but has a longer duration of action. Therefore, it can be taken fewer times each day.
Dosage and using this medicine
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?