Famiclovir

Famciclovir is a prodrug converted to penciclovir by first-pass metabolism in the liver. Used orally in genital herpes and for herpes zoster, None of the acyclovir congeners has activity against TK– strains of HSV. another acyclic analog of 2’-deoxyguanosine, is a prodrug that is metabolized to the active penciclovir. The antiviral spectrum is similar to that of ganciclovir, but it is presently approved only for treatment of acute herpes zoster. The drug is effective orally Adverse eff ects include headaches and nausea. Studies in experimental animals have shown an increased incidence of mammary adenocarcinomas and testicular toxicity.