Denavir
Denavir - General Information
Denavir is a guanine analogue antiviral drug used for the treatment of various herpesvirus infections. It is a nucleoside analogue which exhibits low toxicity and good selectivity. [Wikipedia]
Pharmacology of Denavir
Denavir is the active metabolite of the oral product famciclovir. The more favorable results observed with topical penciclovir versus topical acyclovir for the treatment of herpes labialis may be due to the longer intracellular half-life of penciclovir in HSV-infected cells.
Denavir for patients
About Penciclovir
This belongs to the group of medicines known as antivirals.
It is used to treat infections caused by the Herpes simplex virus, such as cold sores. Penciclovir is available in cream form.
It is also sometimes known as: Vectavir. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.
Before using Penciclovir
Before using any penciclovir cream make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
- if you are using any other preparations, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines
How to use Penciclovir
Use penciclovir cream exactly as directed by your doctor.
Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
Apply penciclovir cream every two hours while you are awake, for four days, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Getting the most from your treatment
Penciclovir cream is best used as soon as possible after the symptoms of an infection begin (e.g. pain, burning or blisters). Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before and after handling penciclovir cream. Complete the prescribed course of treatment with penciclovir, otherwise your infection is likely to recur. Treatment with penciclovir cream usually lasts four days. Before using any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to use alongside penciclovir cream. You should see an improvement in your condition after a few days. If your condition does not seem to be getting better after four days, consult your doctor for advice.
Can Penciclovir cause problems?
Penciclovir cream occasionally causes skin irritation such as stinging, burning and numbness. This should soon disappear. If it doesn't or if it becomes severe, stop using penciclovir and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this preparation, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store Penciclovir
Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat. Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.
Denavir Interactions
Denavir Contraindications
Denavir is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the product or any of its components.
Additional information about Denavir
Denavir Indication: Used to treat recurrent cold sores on the lips and face.
Mechanism Of Action: Denavir has in vitro activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2). In cells infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, viral thymidine kinase phosphorylates penciclovir to a monophosphate form. The monophosphate form of the drug is then converted to penciclovir triphosphate by cellular kinases. The intracellular triphosphate of penciclovir is retained in vitro inside HSV-infected cells for 10-20 hours, compared with 0.7-1 hour for acyclovir. in vitro studies show that penciclovir triphosphate selectively inhibits viral DNA polymerase by competing with deoxyguanosine triphosphate. Inhibition of DNA synthesis of virus-infected cells inhibits viral replication. In cells not infected with HSV, DNA synthesis is unaltered. Resistant mutants of HSV can occur from qualitative changes in viral thymidine kinase or DNA polymerase. The most commonly encountered acyclovir-resistant mutants that are deficient in viral thymidine kinase are also resistant to penciclovir.
Drug Interactions: Aluminium The multivalent agent decreases the effect of penicillamine
Attapulgite The multivalent agent decreases the effect of penicillamine
Digoxin The multivalent agent decreases the effect of penicillamine
Iron The multivalent agent decreases the effect of penicillamine
Kaolin The multivalent agent decreases the effect of penicillamine
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Penciclovir
Synonyms: PE2; Penciclovirum [Inn-Latin]
Drug Category: Antiviral Agents
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Penciclovir: Denavir;
Absorption: Measurable penciclovir concentrations were not detected in plasma or urine of healthy male volunteers (n= 12) following single or repeat application of the 1% cream at a dose of 180 mg penciclovir daily.
Toxicity (Overdose): Symptoms of overdose include headache, abdominal pain, increased serum lipase, nausea, dyspepsia, dizziness, and hyperbilirubinemia.
Protein Binding: Less than 20%.
Biotransformation: Hepatic
Half Life: 2 hours
Dosage Forms of Denavir: Cream Topical
Chemical IUPAC Name: 2-amino-9-[4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)butyl]-3H-purin-6-one
Chemical Formula: C10H15N5O3
Penciclovir on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penciclovir
Organisms Affected: Herpes simplex virus
