Penciclovir (2 brand names, 1 dosage form, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: CREAM.
Routes of administration: TOPICAL.
Brand Names
- DENAVIR
- PENCICLOVIR
Indications and Usage
Penciclovir cream is a deoxynucleoside analog HSV DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in adults and children 12 years of age or older.
Dosage and Administration
Apply penciclovir cream every 2 hours during waking hours for a period of 4 days. Start treatment as early as possible (i.e., during the prodrome or when lesions appear).
Contraindications
Penciclovir cream is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the product or any of its components.
Drug Interactions
No drug interaction studies have been performed with penciclovir cream. Due to minimal systemic absorption of penciclovir cream, systemic drug interactions are unlikely.
Mechanism of Action
Penciclovir is an antiviral agent active against alpha herpes viruses [see Microbiology (12.4)].
Overdosage
Since penciclovir is poorly absorbed following oral administration, adverse reactions related to penciclovir ingestion are unlikely. There is no information on overdose.