Is Famciclovir compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Famciclovir?

Famciclovir

March 23, 2015 (Low Risk)

Precursor of Penciclovir which is used for treatment of infections due to Herpes zoster and Herpes simplex viruses.

At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.

Possibly, a low risk medication during breastfeeding, since similar pharmacokinetics and side-effects are shared with well known drugs pertaining to the same family.

Until more data on this medication is available, safer alternative drugs are preferred, especially in such critical age periods.

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • ファムシクロビル
  • AV-42810
  • BRL-42810
  • فامسيكلوفير
  • Φαμκυκλοβίρη
  • Фамцикловир
  • 泛昔洛韦

Drug trade names

References

  1. Novartis. Famciclovir Drug Summary. 2014 Full text (in our servers)
  2. AEMPS. Famciclovir. Ficha técnica. 2010 Full text (in our servers)
  3. Mactal-Haaf C, Hoffman M, Kuchta A. Use of anti-infective agents during lactation, Part 3: Antivirals, antifungals, and urinary antiseptics. J Hum Lact. 2001Abstract
  4. Gill KS, Wood MJ. The clinical pharmacokinetics of famciclovir. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1996Abstract
  5. Pue MA, Pratt SK, Fairless AJ, Fowles S, Laroche J, Georgiou P, Prince W. Linear pharmacokinetics of penciclovir following administration of single oral doses of famciclovir 125, 250, 500 and 750 mg to healthy volunteers. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1994Abstract
  6. Filer CW, Allen GD, Brown TA, Fowles SE, Hollis FJ, Mort EE, Prince WT, Ramji JV. Metabolic and pharmacokinetic studies following oral administration of 14C-famciclovir to healthy subjects. Xenobiotica. 1994Abstract