What it means
An antiviral that the body turns into penciclovir, which stops herpes viruses from copying their DNA. It shortens outbreaks of shingles (herpes zoster) and herpes simplex but does not cure the infection. Headache and nausea are the most common effects.
For the nurse
Teach the client to start it as soon as symptoms begin, ideally within 72 hours of the shingles rash. The dose is lowered for kidney disease.
At a glance
| Drug class | antiviral (nucleoside analog) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Famvir |
| Also written | Famvir |
Related terms
ganciclovir
An antiviral drug, usually given by IV, that treats and prevents cytomegalovirus infection.
valacyclovir
An oral antiviral drug for herpes infections: cold sores, genital herpes and shingles.