Penciclovir
- Atc Codes:D06BB06#J05AB13
- CAS Codes:390809-25-1
- PHARMGKB ID:390809-25-1
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Chemistry
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Genes that may be involved
- Drug Interactions
- Dosage
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Special Considerations
Brand Names
Europe
Austria: Famvir, Fenivir; Belgium: Vectavir; Denmark: Vectavir; Finland: Vectavir; France: Euraxvir; Germany: Fenistil Pencivir bei Lippenherpes, Penciclovir, Vectavir; Greece: Fenivir, Vectavir; Hungary: Fenivir; Ireland: Vectavir; Italy: Vectavir, Zilip; Luxembourg: Penciclovir, Vectavir; Netherlands: Fenistil; Portugal: Denovir, Fenivir; Slovakia: Vectavir; UK: Fenistil Vectavir.
North America
Canada: Denavir; USA: Denavir.
Latin America
Argentina: Pentavir; Brazil: Penvir.
Drug combinations
Chemistry
Penciclovir: C~10~H~15~N~5~O~3~. Mw: 253.26. (1) 6H-Purin-6-one, 2-amino-1,9-dihydro-9-[4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)buthyl]-; (2) 9-[4-Hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)buthyl]guanine. CAS-390809-25-1 (1992).
Pharmacologic Category
Skin and Mucous Membrane Agents; Antivirals. (ATC-Code: D06BB06; J05AB13).
Mechanism of action
Active in vitro and in vivo against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and against varicella-zoster virus. Also has activity against Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis B virus. In cells infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, viral thymidine kinase phosphorylates penciclovir to a monophosphate form which, in turn, is converted to penciclovir triphosphate by cellular kinases. Penciclovir triphosphate inhibits HSV polymerase competitively with deoxyguanosine triphosphate, and therefore inhibits herpes viral DNA synthesis and replication. For systemic use, usually given orally as prodrug famciclovir.
Therapeutic use
Topical treatment of herpes simplex labialis (cold sores).
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
Use with caution in pregnancy and lactation (excretion in breast milk unknown).
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the penciclovir or any component of the formulation. Previous and significant adverse reactions to famciclovir.
Warnings and precautions
Effect of penciclovir not established in immunocompromised patients.